Changing brake/clutch fluid?

I'm picking up an 04 ABS VFR800 in the spring and I'm hoping the dealer changes the fluids, but if they give me grief over it, how hard is it to do myself?

This is the bike, take a look at the fluids. They certainly look like they need to be changed to me. I'm not sure this would pass the safety, although I'm not a mechanic.

[image: Posted Image]

Yep that fluid is past due. Download the service manual from here and read the procedure. It isn't that bad.

What I do first is suck out the old fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster,  DON'T TOUCH THE LEVERS AT THIS POINT, then gently wipe out the reservoir innards with a clean lint free cloth, may have to wrap it around a screwdriver to get into the corners.

Then, fill with fresh fluid and bleed as normal. Be careful not to get any air in the system while bleeding, and it will be easier.

Oh and you must demount the rear caliper and flip it to 12:00 on the brake disc so the bleeder nipples face upwards. It's the proper way.

 Veefer800Canuck, on 06 February 2012 - 09:21 PM, said:

Yep that fluid is past due. Download the service manual from here and read the procedure. It isn't that bad.

What I do first is suck out the old fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster,  DON'T TOUCH THE LEVERS AT THIS POINT, then gently wipe out the reservoir innards with a clean lint free cloth, may have to wrap it around a screwdriver to get into the corners.

Then, fill with fresh fluid and bleed as normal. Be careful not to get any air in the system while bleeding, and it will be easier.

Thanks. That link to the service manual isn't working? Yea, this fluid is very corrosive!

So, suck out old fluid, pour in new and suck it through the lines until clear at the other end. Oh, how do you suck the fluid through the lines without getting air bubbles, special pump?

 Veefer800Canuck, on 06 February 2012 - 09:21 PM, said:

What I do first is suck out the old fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster,  DON'T TOUCH THE LEVERS AT THIS POINT, then gently wipe out the reservoir innards with a clean lint free cloth, may have to wrap it around a screwdriver to get into the corners.

Then, fill with fresh fluid and bleed as normal. Be careful not to get any air in the system while bleeding, and it will be easier.

Good turkey baster tip, never thought of that... :tongue:

 RodneyBR, on 06 February 2012 - 09:35 PM, said:

 Veefer800Canuck, on 06 February 2012 - 09:21 PM, said:

Yep that fluid is past due. Download the service manual from here and read the procedure. It isn't that bad.

What I do first is suck out the old fluid from the reservoir with a turkey baster,  DON'T TOUCH THE LEVERS AT THIS POINT, then gently wipe out the reservoir innards with a clean lint free cloth, may have to wrap it around a screwdriver to get into the corners.

Then, fill with fresh fluid and bleed as normal. Be careful not to get any air in the system while bleeding, and it will be easier.

Thanks. That link to the service manual isn't working? Yea, this fluid is very corrosive!

So, suck out old fluid, pour in new and suck it through the lines until clear at the other end. Oh, how do you suck the fluid through the lines without getting air bubbles, special pump?

Check out speed bleeders.....

http://www.spiegleru...ed-bleeder.html

I just I could just pump the breaks to remove the fluid, but a bleeder kit seems easier. This looks like a decent kit: http://www.princessa...ake-Bleeder-Kit

Once the old fluid is removed from the reservoirs and replaced with fresh (don't touch the brakes) then you can begin the pump/bleed/pump/bleed method with the brake/clutch lever/pedal.

You don't HAVE to use a Mity-vac or similar, I'm sure they work great, but with proper technique and a bit of care, I have replaced all the hydraulic lines on a bike before, and bled the brakes the old fashioned way, with rock solid brakes and no air left. Just time/patience.

Just be sure to watch the fluid level and don't let it get low so you don't suck air into the system from the top down.

If your brakes/clutch are working now, we can assume the system does not have air in it, or maybe only a few micro bubbles, so you only want to flush fresh fluid through and keep any new air out, as opposed to totally emptying the system and then flushing, which is harder to do.

I try never to empty the system unless I HAVE to split a hydraulic line apart at the banjo for some reason.

Heck when I was rebuilding my bike, I took the whole front brake system off without opening anything, losing any fluid, or getting any air in. Calipers and lines and master all removed and carefully stored in their natural positions then reinstalled later on.

Oh and try the download later on and see if it's working then, and let me know.

If you have a compressor, I recommend this:

http://www.harborfre...eder-92924.html

Really overkill, but it gets the job done QUICK!

Just be aware there is a specific sequence to be followed for the brakes due to the extra plumbing associated with the linked brakes system. For that reason alone I've always let the shop handle the brake fluids.

Mike

Anyone have a link to the 04 VFR800 service manual, PM me if needed ;)

Click me:

http://www.vfrdiscus...with-bookmarks/

I use several pieces of kitchen roll to soak up the fluid from the reservoir. Works well.

Stand by with some Brake cleaner to wipe off any drips though.

What kind of brake fluid do you guys use?

[image: View Post]RodneyBR, on 08 February 2012 - 01:39 PM, said:

What kind of brake fluid do you guys use?
.I run Valvoline synthetic brake fluid. - I have run it in many bikes for years and no problems.

- btw its a good paint remover,so use an extra helping of rags everywhere to protect paint. (Yup, I learned the hard way.)

http://www.valvoline...-brake-fluid/28

[image: View Post]mello dude, on 08 February 2012 - 03:03 PM, said:

[image: View Post]RodneyBR, on 08 February 2012 - 01:39 PM, said:

What kind of brake fluid do you guys use?
.I run Valvoline synthetic brake fluid. - I have run it in many bikes for years and no problems.

- btw its a good paint remover,so use an extra helping of rags everywhere to protect paint. (Yup, I learned the hard way.)

http://www.valvoline...-brake-fluid/28

Thanks. Yea, I'm aware of the fact that it will remove paint in an instant. Note to self, don't drink brake fluid ;)