morbo
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Registered: Feb 26, 2018 7:27:44 GMT -7
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Post by morbo on Jan 14, 2022 9:34:34 GMT -7
Already searched and only found 1 response which came close to answering my question. Posting direct questions in hopes of getting more than 1 answer.  I am grossly overdue for replacing the brake fluid on my bike. Was hoping to do it myself a couple months ago but the service manual mentioned having to cycle the ABS pump with a special tool. This put me off so I skipped it since I knew I wouldn't be riding much in the winter. 1) If just replacing the fluid, is cycling the ABS pump still a necessity? I was hoping to do the standard method: bleed --> top-off reservoir --> bleed --> top-off reservoir … to pull the new fluid through the brake system. I have a Mityvac MV8000 kit I would use for this; I've used it on my past non-ABS bikes and vehicles. Any "brake bleeding" posts I found here were centered around people replacing the MC and/or their brake lines so I found the "find a dirt road and engage ABS" suggestion a couple of times. However, to add a wrinkle, I noticed the maintenance schedule states to replace the brake lines at 4 years. I've never owned a bike long enough to hit 4 years but I don't recall any of my past bikes having such a maintenance schedule to require replacing the brake lines. 2) Has anyone actually replaced their OEM brake lines at 4 years? This is probably a difficult question to answer since I know a lot of people probably replace them as part of a MC upgrade or wanting to switch to SS brake lines anyway. To be perfectly clear, I am content with the OEM brakes. I don't ride hard enough to ever feel like I need to improve them. Not really looking for "just go with SS lines" or "you're an idiot to not want the R1 MC..." replies. Hoping for experiences from other long-term owners if they felt it really was necessary. I somewhat feel like this is an "ehh... no need to really do this one, your brake lines aren't going to collapse at 4 years and 1 month so regularly check and replace when necessary." I am planning on taking the bike in to get the dealer for the brake switch recall performed and to get the spark plugs replaced (I have no appetite to attempt it myself). Figured if the brake lines need to be replaced or I need to have the ABS pump cycled when replacing fluid, I might as well hold off and go full "checkbook mechanic" and have them do it all at 1 time. Thanks for any replies. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Registered: May 6, 2024 20:57:41 GMT -7
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2022 11:16:26 GMT -7
1. I didnt worry about doing the ABS pump when changing my fluid. I just did the normal bleeding process.
2. The main guide says 4 years as a general rule but its not hard fast. Most people wont (or dont know how) to inspect the rubber lines for cracking. Just look over your brake lines very carefully and see if the rubber is becoming brittle and showing signs of cracking.
I keep my bike in a garage and dont ride in the rain so it does not get exposed to the elements and harsh conditions of winter. I'm sure the brake lines will last a bit longer than 4 years.
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superspirit
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Registered: Oct 2, 2017 14:59:43 GMT -7
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Post by superspirit on Jan 14, 2022 15:50:01 GMT -7
As a retired auto tech, I know there is brake fluid in the solenoids and valves of the abs pump that will not get changed out if you do not cycle them through the bleeding process. That being said it is a minimal amount so it's up to you. You're thoughts are correct on the hose's change when necessary unless you're riding the bike to extreme limits constantly. This is the route I'm going with mine.
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Post by RedAndBlack on Jan 14, 2022 16:48:51 GMT -7
As a retired auto tech, I know there is brake fluid in the solenoids and valves of the abs pump that will not get changed out if you do not cycle them through the bleeding process. That being said it is a minimal amount so it's up to you. You're thoughts are correct on the hose's change when necessary unless you're riding the bike to extreme limits constantly. This is the route I'm going with mine.
That's pretty much the answer. I don't personally worry about the little bit of old fluid that may get left in the ABS pump so I just change it once and leave it. I usually cycle fluid through my system again the next day after doing a Redneck ABS cycle anyway cause I always seem to have difficult getting the lines clear of air.
As for lines, I think an inspection is good enough. My theory is that auto makers put things like this in to cover their ass vs extreme use. Anything that fails with the lines will usually show wear before it gives. So check the connections and check the lines for bumps. If they look good, you're fine. The lines used today are much more robust than older bikes. Especially ours that use metal tubing at some of the critical intersections. Now a bike that sits in the sun is definitely on a shorter lifespan as far as lines are concerned, vs a garage kept or covered bike.
My process:
Drain/replace fluid. Get as much air out as you can.
Redneck cycle the ABS. Pull on the brake and then ziptie it overnight. Theory is, this puts air bubbles under more pressure and they will attempt to escape to an area of less pressure, which is up through the system and to the fluid reservoir. Next day, cycle another round of brake fluid through to make sure air bubbles are gone.
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morbo
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Registered: Feb 26, 2018 7:27:44 GMT -7
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Post by morbo on Jan 15, 2022 7:14:20 GMT -7
Thanks for your input, guys; really appreciated.
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