RAMBLIN RED Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 In all my years I have never had to change brake fluid in any auto or motorcycle. Until I bought a BMW I had never even heard of the need. Now, with ABS in the mix it seems complicated and the problems other members seem to have worries me. I will probably have to mortgage my house and let a dealer do this. My question is WHY is this necessary? Link to comment
Boffin Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 The reason it is necessary is that hydraulic fluid adsobs moisture from the atmosphere. This moisture leads to lower boiling point for the fluid, making brake fade _much_ more likely. It also allows the internals of the VERY expensive ABS to corrode. The ABS unit on bikes fitted with whizzy brakes is directly vented to atmosphere, but even without this brake fluid will degrade and you should really change fluid in all vehicles every couple of years or so to amintain optimim operation. Most vehicle service shedules have this somewhere, even though it is generally ignored. Andy Link to comment
terryofperry Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Find a tech day in your area and do it for the cost of the fluid. A lot of riders in your area. The 1100 is pretty straight forward. Ride safely Terry Link to comment
AndyS Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 In all my years I have never had to change brake fluid in any auto or motorcycle. Well, you should have. Nearly all vehicle brake fluid is Hygroscopic - in that it activley absorbs water. Water in hydraulic fluid is a bad thing. Water easily boils and in doing so, will rapidly reduce breaking performance (commonly called 'fade'). The R1100 is no different to most other vehicles on the road. The R1150 is a lot more complicated and is much more important to keep on top of fluid changes. Until I bought a BMW I had never even heard of the need. Now, with ABS in the mix it seems complicated Honestly, on the 1100 it is not complicated. Take a look at this link: http://www.ketchum.org/BMWmc/R1100.pdf and you will see it is straightforward. Any problems please ask us and we will gladly help. and the problems other members seem to have worries me. The problems you see other members have is generally related to the R1150's iABS system. Relax, and go for it. Link to comment
RAMBLIN RED Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 Thanks for the link Andys. This is no different from bleeding the brakes on my old Alfa, but stand by, my Beemer education will need many more answers. Link to comment
ElevenFifty Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 you're in the right place for straight answers. The first system bleed I did on my 1150 took me a good hour or so ... now it is routine. Link to comment
Alfred02 Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 On my previous personal car it showed brake fluid change as part of service increments or no later then 2 years. After we owned the car for two years, I pointed out in the next service that the brake fluid was due for change (vehicle still under warranty). The service manager was trying to tell me that, yes it was in the service book but not really necessary. So I simply informed them that I would be sending the manufacturer an email that I had informed my dealer of the brake fluid change requirements and that any future issue arising, I would consider as a warranty claim. When I picked up the vehicle....the fluid was changed (different colour) :-). Just because it doesn't get done, doesn't mean that it wasn't suppose to be done. I personally know BMW bike riders that don't visit the forums and don't do a thing to their bikes ever and get away with it for years without any issues at all. This forum is build around maintenance and repair, so of course it looks like these bikes cost a lot or require a lot of maintenance. I road my K100RS for years without ever putting a spanner to it, except for giving the electrical connectors a clean out once every 1 to 2 years. Link to comment
Selden Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 In all my years I have never had to change brake fluid in any auto or motorcycle. Until I bought a BMW I had never even heard of the need. Now, with ABS in the mix it seems complicated and the problems other members seem to have worries me. I will probably have to mortgage my house and let a dealer do this. My question is WHY is this necessary? Others have already answered the WHY. My rule of thumb is if the brake fluid is clear as water, it's fine; if it's the color of white wine, it's time to think about changing; if it's the color of tea or honey, it's overdue for a change. A can of brake fluid costs less than $5.00, which is a lot less than brake system repairs, let alone damages from an accident caused by boiled fluid. Another thing that usually doesn't need changing on cars is brake lines; if you can pull the brake lever back to the grip, the rubber brake lines may be going soft, and should be replaced. Link to comment
RAMBLIN RED Posted February 16, 2012 Author Share Posted February 16, 2012 Straight technical answers and real world applications....Ya can't beat it. The color test sounds like a good guideline, and since I don't have a history on the bike I'll start with that. Thanks to all Link to comment
AndyS Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Unfortunately Selden, Some brake fluids come in just about all the colours of drinks you have mentioned. The Golden rule is change it now, then change it regularly on your Annual services. Andy Link to comment
tallman Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Brake fluid is hygroscopic. It will absorb water from the atmosphere, it will deteriorate. It needs to be replaced on a regular basis. 1-2 years depending on humidity where you live and riding conditions. Link to comment
Selden Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Just because most of us don't change the brake fluid on autos frequently doesn't mean that we shouldn't do so. Ramblin Red: Brake fluid is toxic to paint and the plastics used on motorcycle body parts. Cover surfaces thoroughly and be very careful; note that the return stroke of the front brake lever can produce a jet of brake fluid that will will travel a surprising distance. Andy: I wasn't aware of off-color brake fluids, so I guess I've just been lucky. While annual replacement seem like overkill, it is a good guideline, as the job requires neither a lot of effort nor expense. Link to comment
bmw_rider Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 And whatever you do if you choose not to do it now, and annually going forward don't tell anyone on this board or you will be shunned. ..... Link to comment
RAMBLIN RED Posted February 17, 2012 Author Share Posted February 17, 2012 And whatever you do if you choose not to do it now, and annually going forward don't tell anyone on this board or you will be shunned. ..... understood Link to comment
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