Brake fluid

[Mike Rocket]

Is it really necessary to change the brake fluid every 2 years. We did'nt used to have to do it on cars years ago. I had a Harley with abs brakes and they said you have to change the fluid every 2 years or risk brake failure. I did'nt keep it for more than 18 months.
My car has abs brakes and the brake fluid has been in it for over 6 years with no problems.
Is this just another money scheme for the dealers?
Does anybody know the truth? It's all getting very expensive these days.

 

[Stillserving]

Small amounts of water get into your brake system over time, period. How much can be debated. The big push about ABS braking systems and changing the fluid at a specific interval (which varies slightly depending on the manufacturer), is if any water gets in the system and pools in the fluid (DOT 5) or mixes w/ the fluid (most others - hygroscopic), it can cause corrosion, and ABS valves/parts/etc can be expensive and could possibly fail due to corrosion. It's a "best practice".

Now is your bike going to blow up - NO.
Is there a possibility that fluid contamination and/or corrosion will effect the ability of the brakes to work as designed/properly - YES.

That's one of those personal judgement calls (I must admit, I am lacking in the every 2 yrs Dept). Thanks for the reminder. It's cheap insurance, but can be a pain. Just my 2 pence!

 

[Mike Rocket]

Small amounts of water get into your brake system over time, period. How much can be debated. The big push about ABS braking systems and changing the fluid at a specific interval (which varies slightly depending on the manufacturer), is if any water gets in the system and pools in the fluid (DOT 5) or mixes w/ the fluid (most others - hygroscopic), it can cause corrosion, and ABS valves/parts/etc can be expensive and could possibly fail due to corrosion. It's a "best practice".

Now is your bike going to blow up - NO.
Is there a possibility that fluid contamination and/or corrosion will effect the ability of the brakes to work as designed/properly - YES.

That's one of those personal judgement calls (I must admit, I am lacking in the every 2 yrs Dept). Thanks for the reminder. It's cheap insurance, but can be a pain. Just my 2 pence!

Yes, it's better safe than sorry with brakes i know but but the service reqirements have definitely changed in the last 15 years, ie. it was not on the older schedules.

 

[Tripps]

I put dot 5 in idk, 6 years ago maybe, haven't touched it since

 

[Jag]

I do mine every two years! Prevents internal corrosion of brake components! Cars are different, but do have a maintenance schedule that know body follows! When the fluid turns amber it’s time to change!

 

[sonny]

I flush and change every year. I ride a lot. do the front forks yearly too.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Dot 5 is synthetic and is not compatible with other brake fluids such as Dot 3 or 4. The new Dot 5.1 is compatible with Dot 3 or 4.

The synthetic Dot 5 is also not compatible with all brake systems. Read your instructions carefully. Dot 5 can cause damage to the seals if not compatible.

 

[Mike Rocket]

I flush and change every year. I ride a lot. do the front forks yearly too.

Do you use a tool to open the abs valve and if so is it straight forward? Thanks for any info.

 

[sonny]

I use the computer thing sold by triumph but from what i understand android users can open the valve via Tune ECU. Very easy to use and works rather well.

 

[Mike Rocket]

I use the computer thing sold by triumph but from what i understand android users can open the valve via Tune ECU. Very easy to use and works rather well.

Thanks for the advice