Anybody know how to change brake fluid?

[dieshark]

Call me stupid, but I have no clue how to change the brake fluid and I don't want to go in to a dealer. Anybody have any advice? It would be really appreciated!

[jejajones]

Never done it myself, but can't be too different than doing a car. Check library for car maint books.

[BWSman67]

Unless the cover for the reservoir has been taken off and the fluid inside has become contaminated, you don't really need to change the brake fluid. If you really want to change it, there here's how to do it:

there is a bleeder valve on the brake caliper (usually covered by a dust cap. it looks like a grease nipple.). Loosen it up a bit, put a piece of clear plast hose on it and put the other end in a empty jar.

Remove the cover off the reservoir and start pumping the brake lever until all the fluid is drained.

Add fresh fluid to the reservoir and pump the brake lever until fluid starts coming out the hose (adding more fluid to the revervoir as needed) and there are no air bubbles left.

Tighten the bleeder valve and replace the reservoir cover and dust cap and you're done.

[finerniner]

hey guys is that gauge on the the handlebars next to the throttle for the brake fluid? mine is just below the half way line, does this mean i should add more?

[l_____l]

Unless the cover for the reservoir has been taken off and the fluid inside has become contaminated, you don't really need to change the brake fluid. If you really want to change it, there here's how to do it:

there is a bleeder valve on the brake caliper (usually covered by a dust cap. it looks like a grease nipple.). Loosen it up a bit, put a piece of clear plast hose on it and put the other end in a empty jar.

Remove the cover off the reservoir and start pumping the brake lever until all the fluid is drained.

Add fresh fluid to the reservoir and pump the brake lever until fluid starts coming out the hose (adding more fluid to the revervoir as needed) and there are no air bubbles left.

Tighten the bleeder valve and replace the reservoir cover and dust cap and you're done.


I have a similar, but slightly different way.....

1st: Use a turkey baster (or the like) and suck out the old brake fluid from the master cylinder. Then fill it with new fluid and RE-attach the cover to prevent brake fluid from splashing on your paint job! This will also keep you from having to purge the master cylinder of air.

2nd: At the bleeder screw on the caliper, loosen it, then snug it back. While the bleeder screw is "snug" tight, pump the hand brake lever on the master cylinder 3 times and as you HOLD tight (as if in applying the brake), loosen the bleeder screw until your hand brake lever collapses. DO NOT RELEASE THE HAND LEVER....tighten the bleeder screw and repeat the process until clear brake fluid comes out the caliper bleeder screw. Be SURE and replenish brake fluid in the reservoir as you do this to keep air from entering. Also, be SURE of what type of brake fluid to use. I would think DOT 3 is the norm for scooters, but there are times I've seen applications calling for DOT 4 or even silicone brake fluid in certain cars. Per federal law, it must be written on the lid of the master cylinder. IE: "Use DOT 3 brake fluid only". Should be written on the cover.

BTW (By the way), check this article on brake fluid and why it NEEDS to be changed periodically.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/bfluid.htm