Brake Fluid

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Apr 20, 2013 | 10:54 PM

#11

Pelonz

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 2,669

Likes: 3

From: SoCal - 661

Waited 7 yrs to do it the first time. Bought the speedy bleeders and was amazed at the crappy fluid that came out. Brake feel is greatly improved. Now plan on doing it every 2 years.

Apr 21, 2013 | 07:19 AM

#12

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Do I? YES! My first bike with hydraulic brakes was a new Harley, way back in the 70s. I was staggered at just how filthy the fluid was after only two years, dark brown and cloudy. I'm sure fluids have improved in quality since, but I change my brake fluid at regular intervals. You will probably find that after just one riding season it has lost its colour and is showing its age. It costs a few bucks to change!

Apr 21, 2013 | 07:39 AM

#13

cajun555

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 477

Likes: 8

From: Kennedale,Tx

I did a flush on the Dyna when I bought it(used) Plan on a complete caliper and master cyl. rebuild in the fall.

Apr 21, 2013 | 08:33 AM

#14

smithbrl

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,692

Likes: 22

From: Denham Springs, La

I have mine changed every 2 yrs.

Apr 21, 2013 | 09:16 AM

#15

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 24,711

Likes: 9,214

From: Snow Hill, NC

I just changed mine because i had to go with longer lines....75000 mile 6 years and looked very clean... i know you can't just by looks because water is clear also...i went tith Syn...

Apr 21, 2013 | 10:04 AM

#16

redrub

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 197

Likes: 1

From: Grey Duck

Yes I do. It's not hard to do if you can follow directions and be patient. Brakes are pretty important in my opinion......Some prefer chrome....

Apr 21, 2013 | 10:38 AM

#17

robbie52

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,954

Likes: 148

From: Augusta, GA

Yes Every two years. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, so it is important to flush out system.

Apr 21, 2013 | 11:01 AM

#18

texaswiz

Banned

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,036

Likes: 67

Ok, somebody help me out on this one. If a brake system has never been opened up, nor has it been tampered with and assuming the system is still in good working order, how is the brake fluid going to pick up water?

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Apr 21, 2013 | 11:21 AM

#19

redrub

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 197

Likes: 1

From: Grey Duck

Quote:

Originally Posted by texaswiz

I'm not a chemist so I'm not going to pretend to know something I don't.
Calipers get very hot due to episodes of braking. Braking is friction, friction is heat. The fluid in the caliper heats up as a result. The fluid in the master cylinder remains at ambient temperature causing condensation, from where? I don't know. The different types of fluids have different properties to combat this. some absorb water some separate the water, some have higher or lower boiling points. Whether dot 3,4 or 5 regular flushing keeps the system healthy.