I decided to flush my brake fluid today (I was actually going to change the pads, but decided I had a couple more months of wear before the wear groves are gone).
Never bleed the brakes on the bike before. So a short session on You Tube and Google and I was under way.
First some stuff I didn't know (which may or may not be news to you). Glycol based brake fluids, aka DOT4 and DOT5.1 (which is probably what most of us are using) turn more and more brown as they absorb water. Once it turns brown it should be replaced.
My brake fluid was very brown. If your brake fluid is brown change it or get it changed.
Next I discovered DOT4 has been pretty much superseded by DOT5.1. And just for fun, there is also a silicon based DOT5 version. And for extra fun, if the two are mixed it forms a brown sludge in the brake system (bad).
As best as I can determine, if you mostly ride on the roads DOT5.1 is your friend.
Brakes feel ok now. But tomorrow is ART day, so they'll get a real good test then ...
Bookmarks