Brake Fluid After 3 Riding Seasons

[PW2013STL]

Flushed my fluids although the Coolant looked ok the brake fluid (center jar) not so much. I should have changed that last year.

[JimVonBaden]

I don't know the service schedule, but on a typical motorcycle the brakes should be done every two years. Motorcycles tend to be harder on brake fluid than cars, and have a lot less of it. Also, it is hard on ABS modules to run dirty contaminated fluid.

[billybovine]

I agree that brake fluid needed to go.

[Bob Denman]

Which reminds me to change mine at the start of next season; thanks!

[Dan McNally]

The looks of that fluid may be why your Owners Guide says to change the brake fluid every two years . . .

[PW2013STL]

The looks of that fluid may be why your Owners Guide says to change the brake fluid every two years . . .

I agree!

For me was wraping my head around the fact that my 2014 in 2016 = 3 years of riding and not 2 years.

[ARtraveler]

Good idea. Another item to add to my spring tune up list.

[Bob Denman]

I agree!

For me was wraping my head around the fact that my 2014 in 2016 = 3 years of riding and not 2 years.

Verbal Math Questions 01.jpg

[Bfromla]

2yr~14,000miles per schedule I got srz bout pic there is more info you can find tho

[Bensonoid]

Be careful where you leave that jar. Someone might spread that goo on their toast.

[ARtraveler]

Be careful where you leave that jar. Someone might spread that goo on their toast.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Peteoz]

Flushed my fluids although the Coolant looked ok the brake fluid (center jar) not so much. I should have changed that last year.

Looks like Vegemite........send it over.....this could be another delicacy for Aussies to eat

Pete

[PW2013STL]

Looks like Vegemite........send it over.....this could be another delicacy for Aussies to eat

Pete

Remind me not to try any Aussie delicacies

[SPYDDER]

I have a 2008 RS and just checked my original brake fluid. The fluid is still very clean looking like it always has and brake performance has not changed. How would the fluid get so dirty on a closed system? 40 years of driving and I have never encountered it.

[SPYD3R]

SHORT OF FLIPPING MY F3 UP-SIDE-DOWN, HOW DO YOU DRAIN THE ANTI-FREEZE...?
WHERE IS THE DRAIN PLUG...?
SPYD3R

[billybovine]

I have a 2008 RS and just checked my original brake fluid. The fluid is still very clean looking like it always has and brake performance has not changed. How would the fluid get so dirty on a closed system? 40 years of driving and I have never encountered it.

How did you check the brake fluid? Did you bleed some out? Because the stuff in the reservoir will look just fine.

[PW2013STL]

SHORT OF FLIPPING MY F3 UP-SIDE-DOWN, HOW DO YOU DRAIN THE ANTI-FREEZE...?
WHERE IS THE DRAIN PLUG...?
SPYD3R

On my RT I had to cut off the lower right hose clamp and pull the hose off to drain it as per the manual.

[PW2013STL]

How did you check the brake fluid? Did you bleed some out? Because the stuff in the reservoir will look just fine.

I agree as mine looked fine in the reservoir, but as soon as I started pumping it into the jar it was apperent how dirty it was.

[woodyaa]

I have a 2008 RS and just checked my original brake fluid. The fluid is still very clean looking like it always has and brake performance has not changed. How would the fluid get so dirty on a closed system? 40 years of driving and I have never encountered it.

Well, glycol-based brake fluid is very hygroscopic. This means that it will aggressively absorb water from the moment the container is opened. Many manufacturers pack brake fluid under nitrogen to extend its shelf life. Brake fluid will absorb water through minute, even microscopic pores in brake hoses, lines and piston seals and when it is exposed to air. In South Florida, where the humidity level is usually very high the problem is exaggerated. Also, as caliper and brake line temperatures increase and then cool repeatedly, condensation occurs, leaving behind an increase in moisture.


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[jcthorne]

SHORT OF FLIPPING MY F3 UP-SIDE-DOWN, HOW DO YOU DRAIN THE ANTI-FREEZE...?
WHERE IS THE DRAIN PLUG...?
SPYD3R

Why
would you be draining antifreeze on an F3? Its no where near old enough to require that yet.

[SPYD3R]

Why
would you be draining antifreeze on an F3? Its no where near old enough to require that yet.

IF YOU WOULD READ YOUR MANUAL, YOU WOULD SEE THAT THE ANTI-FREEZE IS TO BE CHANGED AT 28,000 MILES.... I DON'T LET MINE SIT IN THE GARAGE, I RIDE MINE.... I HAVE 28,000 ON MINE....
SPYD3R

[oldguyinTX]

Flushed my fluids although the Coolant looked ok the brake fluid (center jar) not so much. I should have changed that last year.

I've always wondered what causes brake fluid to degenerate in that way. It's not like it's an open system that allows contaminate in. And why does it last so much longer in cars than on motorcycles?

[Sam Mac]

I've always wondered what causes brake fluid to degenerate in that way. It's not like it's an open system that allows contaminate in. And why does it last so much longer in cars than on motorcycles?

Actually it doesn't last any longer in cars or trucks. As was previously mentioned it absorbs moisture from the air. the master cylinders are vented. I used to replace the brake fluid in my race car before every race.

[jcthorne]

IF YOU WOULD READ YOUR MANUAL, YOU WOULD SEE THAT THE ANTI-FREEZE IS TO BE CHANGED AT 28,000 MILES.... I DON'T LET MINE SIT IN THE GARAGE, I RIDE MINE.... I HAVE 28,000 ON MINE....
SPYD3R

Well
lets just say I disagree with a mileage limit on antifreeze that only ages by using up its anti corrosive agents over time. Its easy to verify the quality of the antifreeze solution with test strips. That same coolant is rated for 5 yrs in heavy duty service. Suit yourself. You drain it via the lower radiator hose.