Flushing Brake Fluid???
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: Tennessee
Flushing Brake Fluid???
Service manual states that brake fluid should be checked every 5k miles. Note #5 stated that dot 4 brake fluid should be changed every 2 years. The maintenance section in the manual only states how to top off the fluid in the reservoir. If changing the fluid is part of bike maintenance, I don't see why they don't include a brake fluid changing procedure (they tell us how to change our oil).
The chassis section on bleeding brakes says that they only need to be bled if you break open the system (brake lines, master cylinder, etc.) and introduce air. I've found no procedure in the manual for "changing/flushing the brake fluid". Surely you can flush the old fluid out of the bleeder and fresh in the reservoir without introducing air, and without having to purchase a $40 vac device.
If everyone is changing their brake fluid every two years, I thought that a search in the touring forum on the subject would have turned up more results and tips.
The chassis section on bleeding brakes says that they only need to be bled if you break open the system (brake lines, master cylinder, etc.) and introduce air. I've found no procedure in the manual for "changing/flushing the brake fluid". Surely you can flush the old fluid out of the bleeder and fresh in the reservoir without introducing air, and without having to purchase a $40 vac device.
If everyone is changing their brake fluid every two years, I thought that a search in the touring forum on the subject would have turned up more results and tips.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Easiest way I know for the average person to do it is to use a turkey baster and suck all the fluid out of the reservoir and refill with new. Then go through a normal bleeding procedure until you see the new fluid coming out.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 14
From: Tennessee
I was leaning toward something like that. I was just surprised to see so little info in the service manual and in this forum about a task that's supposed to be performed every 2 years. Thanks.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 979
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From: Wisconsin
I've had speed bleeders on my truck for years but never saw a need for them on a motorcycle. I can operate the lever or pedal with one hand and operate the wrench on the bleeder valve with the other hand. Maybe it's different with a fairing, or apes.