Changing Brake Fluid How It Works

Chris Maida · #1 02-22-2010, 07:04 PM

What did you think of the How It Works on changing brake fluid in the March issue? Was it too basic or a good article for new wrenches?

Note: Due to my magazine production and travel schedule I will not be giving responses to posts made here. However, I will be checking them as often as possible to get your feedback. Thank you for helping us make American Iron Magazine the best it can be.

Tbone · #2 02-22-2010, 11:08 PM

I thought it was a very informative article. It would help new riders that don't know how to do this and, also, help older riders who might not know that this is a good thing to do.

kempomark · #3 02-23-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Maida

What did you think of the How It Works on changing brake fluid in the March issue? Was it too basic or a good article for new wrenches?

Note: Due to my magazine production and travel schedule I will not be giving responses to posts made here. However, I will be checking them as often as possible to get your feedback. Thank you for helping us make American Iron Magazine the best it can be.

I thought it a good article. After reading the article I checked my brake fluids. My fluid was yellow instead of purple/violet. So I changed it right away. As this was a used bike for me I am still going through the routine maintenance that should have been done. In this case I needed to switch out the fluid. Funny thing, I had a left front brake rattle that would go away when I applied the front brake. I was getting ready to pull the brakes off to find the rattle. Changing/adding fluid stopped the rattle. Guess it's time for some new pads too. 11 bucks for a pint of DOT5. Wow...

Thanks,

2003FXDX · #4 02-24-2010, 09:44 PM

It reminded me about checking the fluid. Been so busy lately I hadn't thought about it.

BoeCole · #5 02-25-2010, 12:59 PM

It came out about a week after I had changed mine due to age(3 Yrs)/color!!!! It basically followed what I had done except I had used some clear plastic tubing to monitor the fluid as it came out and used my thumb to stop reversion when I released the brake. That kept the fluid going in only one direction - out... Facilitated the process greatly.

I also turned the calipers upside down so as to get any and all debris out but that turned out to be unnecessary as there was none in the cylinders. The DOT4/5 fluids appear to be much better than the old DOT 3 which allowed moisture to collect around the pistons and cause excess friction in the bores and on the brake pads.

HotRodad1 · #6 02-26-2010, 10:55 PM

good article. passed it on to my buddies as well so they could see how easy it was to do. show us how to do the more of the basic maintenance might keep some hard earned dollars in our pocket for riding instead of handing it to the stealers!
cheers!

Rocky · #7 02-27-2010, 01:54 AM

I would've love to have read it. One thing though I didn't get a March issue, got Feb. then got April. I went back and check my library because I didn't recall reading that and sure enough I didn't get it.

rustybearing · #8 02-27-2010, 08:53 AM

+1 on that. I got April's also.

Rocky · #9 02-27-2010, 10:49 AM

I have always liked AIM very much, and this morning showed even more reason why. I PM'd Chris about not receiving March issue and when I got on the forum a few minutes ago I had a message from him saying he was on his way to Daytona, but when he got back in a couple of weeks he would get me one right out! Now just how great is that! That's what ya call customer service, that's something ya just don't see anymore. Hope ya have a great time Chris.

kempomark · #10 02-27-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Maida

What did you think of the How It Works on changing brake fluid in the March issue? Was it too basic or a good article for new wrenches?

Note: Due to my magazine production and travel schedule I will not be giving responses to posts made here. However, I will be checking them as often as possible to get your feedback. Thank you for helping us make American Iron Magazine the best it can be.

Actually let me clarify... I know and knew how to do bleeding. It was a good refresher regardless. But mostly, it was a reminder and kick in the butt to check this critical braking component.

Thanks for the reminder!