Brake fluid

Mike Rocket · Dec 16, 2020

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 · Dec 16, 2020

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 · Dec 16, 2020

Stillserving said:
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 · Dec 16, 2020

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

Jag · Dec 16, 2020

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 · Dec 16, 2020

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

Idaho Red Rocket 3 · Dec 16, 2020

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 · Dec 18, 2020

sonny said:
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 · Dec 18, 2020

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 · Dec 19, 2020

sonny said:
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

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