JunkyardDog

I ride and work on bikes for a hobby/fun. I figure the fluid will last as long as a set of pads, so that is when I usually change it. But, I keep a close eye on my pads, and don't change them until they are actually pretty close to being completely worn out. IF I feel that the fluid level is getting just a little low before I am ready to change the pads, I put some in. I get it free.

I have rebuilt a number of motorcycle master cylinders and calipers that were damaged by corrosion, which is caused by moisture in the fluid. IMO, it's easier to just change the fluid once in a while.

Every owners manual I've ever seen recommends replacing the brake hoses every 4 years. I have no idea where they get this silliness. It is obviously designed as a dealer money maker. If you leave a bike sitting out in the AZ sun, it will need new hoses within a year. If you keep it parked inside, the hoses might well last over 20 years. I have bought many new bikes, kept a few more than 10 years, kept them inside, and never replaced a brake hose. The hoses all looked brand new when I sold the bikes. No cracks, no deterioration, no nothing. Tires are the same way. leave them out in the sun, they will crack. Keep them inside, they won't crack. That's why so many motor home and travel trailer owners have covers for their tires to protect them from the sun. Jerry.

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twocoolgliders

When I bought my new brake pads, there was an "important notice" inside the package.....said you MUST change the brake fluid every two years.....(or else the world will come to an end)

I am sure this is lawyer crap.........I have owned lots of cars, many for more than 10 years.........never changed the brake fluid, ever.....

Here is the problem............they are afraid that MOISTURE will enter the brake fluid system..........the fluid is alcohol based and will easily absorb water.......water in the system WILL corrode many of the important parts...

This is why they say to only use a NEW unopened container of brake fluid for topping off or replacing fluid.........it was sealed ,moisture free, in the factory....an opened bottle of fluid sitting in the shop will absorb moisture from the atmosphere........

Anyway, any time you open up the cap of the brake fluid reservoir, you have just let moisture from the atmosphere get into the fluid.......

So I figure the less times you have to open the cap, the less change of moisture intrusion........

Yes, inside the reservoir is a rubber diaphram, which sits on top of the fluid, and goes down as the fluid level goes down, and it does not let air come in contact with the fluid......the air is ABOVE the diaphram and the fluid is below.

For somebody like Jerry, who is a mechanic, and has all the stuff needed, for free, and lives in AZ where humidity does not exist, frequent changing of the fluid is probably a good idea.


Where I live the humidity is often 90 ~ 100 %......I figure the less times you open the reservoir the better.........I am sure the fluid will last 6 years or more if the system is left left unopened.

Cookie

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fastpakr

What stuff is needed that you don't have for flushing the brake fluid? I do it with a screwdriver, wrench, a cup, and a few feet of hose. Not exactly high end equipment.

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'99 Vulcan 500 - current DD, 27k miles and counting
'83 Honda Silverwing GL650i - future DD, still in pieces

bB2NER

Sorry, but the fluid is usually bad after 2 years (changes to darker color). This is why Honda wants it changed every 2-3 years.
It's a time thing that has very little to do with where you live.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)

twocoolgliders

Well, I had an 04 rebel in '10.....that's 6 years, and the fluid was still OK....not dark either.......as long as air and the associated moisture doesn't get in, you're ok..........like the fluid in the bottle at the store......do they throw out all the old stock after 2 years? What if it was in the store for a year, then it is only good for another year in the bike? No because the bottle is sealed, either vacuum or maybe inert gas, but no moisture until the bottle is opened........

If you live where there is high humidity there is a greater likelyhood of humidity getting into the brake system........less humidity, less etc.....

Honda is just making sure, that moisture in old fluid does not cause corrosion in vital brake parts......better safe than sorry has to be their stand........

I've had plenty of old cars, and new cars that I ran until old.........never changed the brake fluid in any of them..........not saying this is a good idea, just saying that I got away with it.......

Bottom line, probably a good idea to change brake fluid when you change brake pads............like an enema.....it couldn't hurt!

Cookie

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flitecontrol

I've had vehicles that I never changed the brake fluid in too; until the wheel cylinders started leaking. In the process of repairing the leak, I discovered the internals were corroded due to moisture and had to rebuild them. I still don't do it unless there's a problem, but it would probably be cheaper if I did.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

bB2NER

I see what you are saying twocoolgliders. Moisture is only part of the issue tho. You gotta remember the heat contributing to the color change.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)