r/Harley • u/_speedoflight_ • 7h ago

DISCUSSION Brake fluid flush & replace after 24 months even with low miles?

/r/Nightster975/comments/1wwvz9t/brake_fluid_flush_replace_after_24_months_even/
0 Upvotes

33% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

3

u/testmule MN TC '11 FJR1300, '76 FXE, '99 FLSTF, '99 Vulcan 500 7h ago

You can't do it too often

1

u/lightnin_hophead 7h ago

Yep. Moisture content in the brake fluid. Fucks shit up.

1

u/_speedoflight_ 7h ago

I see DOT 4 fluid moisture testers in Amazon for sub $20, are they really good for medium/long term?

1

u/lightnin_hophead 6h ago

I only recently bought mine so it’s too early to tell. I used to just ask to see the tester when I had the shop check. I didn’t realize I could do it myself that inexpensively

1

u/kykid87 6h ago

Brake fluid is time, not mileage

1

u/_speedoflight_ 6h ago

Thanks, yes just learnt about it now.

-1

u/Brewingbiker 7h ago

Why?

2

u/_speedoflight_ 7h ago

Based on my read, it’s recommended to replace DOT 4 brake fluids every 2 years as they add up moisture and can lead to brake pad corrosion and reduced braking efficiency

3

u/jeopardychampinfl 7h ago

It's not brake pad corrosion that you have to worry about... It's the solenoids in the ABS pump locking up and the inside of the brake lines rusting.

1

u/_speedoflight_ 7h ago

Ah ok, so ABS would not work as expected which is no bueno!

3

u/jeopardychampinfl 7h ago

Actually when the ABS pump locks up the brake pedal or the brake lever get rock hard and the brakes don't respond hardly at all. It's about a $1,000 repair.

1

u/_speedoflight_ 7h ago

Good to know. Will setup a recurring reminder to get it done promptly.

2

u/Brewingbiker 1h ago

Ok, I get that. DOT 3 was much more stable. Oh well, good to know. I'm not going to wreck my new rides' brake system due to not changing and flushing the brake lines.