Brake fluid is a crucial part of motorcycle operation and maintenance. Not flushing your brake fluid motorbike can lead to serious safety issues, including loss of braking ability, decreased fuel economy, and even a potential crash. In this article, we’ll show you how to flush your brake fluid motorbike safely and efficiently.
What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used to stop a motor vehicle. It is usually made up of water, soap, and glycol.
Brake fluid is important to keep your motorcycle running smoothly. If it’s not properly flushed, the brake system can become clogged and stop working. Here are some steps on how to flush your brake fluid motorcycle:
1) Park the motorcycle in an open area where you have access to a garden hose.
2) Remove the cover over the brake fluid reservoir.
3) Brake fluid will be released from the reservoir as you pump the hose into the system. Pump until there is no more fluid coming out of the reservoir. Be careful not to overpump the system or you could damage it.
4) Repeat steps 2-3 until all brake fluid has been cleared from the system. Be sure to clean any spills that occur during step 3.
How brake fluid works
Brake fluid is used to stop a motorcycle. When you press your brake pedal, the brake fluid pressure makes the pads on the wheel grab onto the disc. The friction between the pad and disc slows down the motorcycle.
How to flush brake fluid
If you’re like most motorcyclists, you flush your brake fluid at least once a year. Flushing helps to keep your brakes working properly and prevents hydraulic problems. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your motorcycle on a level surface.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
4. Add fresh brake fluid to the reservoir until it reaches the “Max” line on the dipstick.
5. Replace the reservoir cap and wheel.
6. Start the engine and apply the rear brake (if applicable).
7. Let the motorcycle coast to a stop.
8. Remove the front wheel again and remove the dipstick from the brake fluid reservoir.
When to replace brake fluid
If your motorcycle has a hydraulic brake system, the brake fluid is held in a reservoir at the master cylinder. When the motorcycle brakes, fluid is drawn from the reservoir and pumped through the lines to the calipers. The calipers use this fluid to stop the wheels. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with dirt, dust, and other substances. This can cause the calipers to stop working properly and affect braking performance.
When to Replace Brake Fluid:
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to replace your motorcycle’s brake fluid:
Brake pedal feels spongy or soft
Your motorcycle doesn’t stop as quickly as it used to
Your bike makes a grinding or screeching noise when you brake
It’s time to change your motorcycle’s brake fluid every 3 years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
If you’re noticing a decrease in your motorcycle stopping power, or if your brakes are making strange noises, it might be time to flush the brake fluid. Brake fluid is a key part of keeping your motorcycle braking system operating at its best and should be flushed every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. To do this, all you need is some hot water and a drain pan. Here’s how to do it:
1) Park your motorcycle safely so that you can access the rear wheel well.
2) Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir (usually located on the front left side of the bike).
3) Fill up the drain pan with enough hot water to cover the bottom of your reservoir. Don’t let any water spill into either wheel well!
4) Place the pan over the rear wheel well and turn it so that any excess water drains into it. Be sure not to splash yourself or damage anything!
5) Replace the cap on the brake fluid reservoir and wait until everything has cooled down before you ride away.