Brake Fluid?
- Thread starter INTP_imp
- Start date
the Ferret
Road warrior
Front? Rear?both?
the Ferret
Road warrior
Ok just checked mine.front brake and clutch are turning darker but i can still see thru it to the back of the master cylinders. Rear brake fluid looks crystal clear.
bikerdave_imp
First service completed
I am going thru on the search feature looking at the comments on the brake and clutch fluid. I was out "futzing" with the bike after installing the National wind screen and the risers. I had noticed what has been commented on in other threads on the black or truly dark oil in the motor at, in my case 500+ a little miles which is way out of my experience with other bikes. As noted else where good oil should be maybe a dark brown even on a new motor break-in. I looked at the site glasses on the brake reservoir and then the clutch reservoir. They are literally as black as the motor oil. WTF!!!!!!
I mean come on. it looks to me(of course my trust issues have trust issues) like the fluid in the site glass of both the clutch and brake is the same as the motor oil.
I'll be taking my bike in for it's 600 mi. service next week. I am going to have the shop make a record of it and flush and clean both brake and clutch systems.
I mean come on. I was taught and believe from looking at brake fluid over the years that one should get a year or two out of the fluid before it starts turning.
I am really disappointed in this start up on this new bike that I truly love on the way that it has been delivered from the dealer.
I mean come on. it looks to me(of course my trust issues have trust issues) like the fluid in the site glass of both the clutch and brake is the same as the motor oil.
I'll be taking my bike in for it's 600 mi. service next week. I am going to have the shop make a record of it and flush and clean both brake and clutch systems.
I mean come on. I was taught and believe from looking at brake fluid over the years that one should get a year or two out of the fluid before it starts turning.
I am really disappointed in this start up on this new bike that I truly love on the way that it has been delivered from the dealer.
bikerdave_imp
First service completed
Really! Thanks for the quick reply. I am used to the old virtually clear
yellow fluid. OK. Thanks for the info. I am still concerned over how
quickly(530 mi.) it got so dark. Any one else with info, insite, or their experience?
yellow fluid. OK. Thanks for the info. I am still concerned over how
quickly(530 mi.) it got so dark. Any one else with info, insite, or their experience?
immgunn_imp
Running like a top
The discoloration is likely due to the types of seals (caliper square seals, master cylinder piston seals) used in the brake system.
Just an FYI. I replace the fluid in my hydraulic reservoirs each time I change the oil. It's easy to do with a brake bleeding syringe. Most brake fluids are hygroscopic (absorbing or attracting moisture from the air). Changing brake fluid is a quick easy method of keeping your brake fluid as dry as possible. This is especially important for vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes. An added benefit is your brake fluid looks "cleaner."
Just an FYI. I replace the fluid in my hydraulic reservoirs each time I change the oil. It's easy to do with a brake bleeding syringe. Most brake fluids are hygroscopic (absorbing or attracting moisture from the air). Changing brake fluid is a quick easy method of keeping your brake fluid as dry as possible. This is especially important for vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes. An added benefit is your brake fluid looks "cleaner."
the Ferret
Road warrior
immgunn.. That sounds rather excessive. Every 3-4000 miles? Do you ride many miles per year? I think the manual calls for changing the fluid every two years.
redbirds_imp
Road warrior
I change mine at 2 years. Mileage does not matter as much I think as does age.
immgunn_imp
Running like a top
RE: Excessive. I'm not changing/flushing/replacing the brake fluid every oil change, just the fluid in the reservoirs. It's not good to keep brake fluid sitting around for any period of time. I find slurping a couple of ounces out of the reservoirs and replacing with new keeps the fluid in the bike from becoming contaminated with moisture as well as the fluid sitting on the garage shelf. The fluid removed is disposed of with the used oil. Works for me.
the Ferret
Road warrior
Ahh gotcha.
kmoney_imp
Road warrior
Anyone ever thought of trying to put DOT 5 for their brake fluid flush? I've always wanted to do it to my cars, but don't want to deal with any of the bleeding nightmares I hear about -- probably not so much of an issued on a bike. Nice to be able to change it and forget about it for a while.
Elipten_imp
Road warrior
Dot 5 is not appropriate per my understanding. Google DOT 5. And look in Wikipedia. It will explain enough
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bikerdave_imp
First service completed
Thank you all for the info and discussion.
I, too, was taught/learned that changing(now this was back when new/good brake fluid looked clear yellow) was an every year or every other year thing. That, at this point, unless this "new" to me fluid is "the way it is now" what I have been planning to do. If it stays like this, to me, used oil black I will be joining you adding to my reservoirs ever time that I change the oil. But then, I change my oil every 1000 mi and the filter every other oil change after the first 2000 mi. break in period.
INTP - When you find where to get the stainless steel brake lines please write about it. That is something that I work toward on every
bike that I have owned.
Again as always, thanks to all for the response, ideas, and information.
I, too, was taught/learned that changing(now this was back when new/good brake fluid looked clear yellow) was an every year or every other year thing. That, at this point, unless this "new" to me fluid is "the way it is now" what I have been planning to do. If it stays like this, to me, used oil black I will be joining you adding to my reservoirs ever time that I change the oil. But then, I change my oil every 1000 mi and the filter every other oil change after the first 2000 mi. break in period.
INTP - When you find where to get the stainless steel brake lines please write about it. That is something that I work toward on every
bike that I have owned.
Again as always, thanks to all for the response, ideas, and information.
the Ferret
Road warrior
2000 mile break in period? And change the oil every 1000 miles after that? Say whaaaat?
Lord Popgun
Road warrior
I'm pretty sure I saw some stainless lines on Samurider.
