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In the recent article in ON I noticed that you changed brake fluid on average every third service. I'm figuring that equates to every 15 to 18K miles. Have I miscalculated? Is this really necessary? Are women in red particularly hard on brake fluid?
rubber brake lines: every year
Stahlflex brake lines: every 2 years
Thanks for the morning giggle. Won't be buying any of those Stahlflex self-destruct thingys anytime soon...
I think - I'm not sure - that on newest models BMW now days every two years, but that change might have been for coolant. Once a year is my norm.
When do they self-destruct?
Apparently, after two years. Seems ridiculously short time. Seems self-serving desire to sell more products.
All this IMHO, of course. Still, what could possibly be the reason for replacement after two years? Have never had to replace braided brake line, have you had to replace them?
Apparently, after two years. Seems ridiculously short time. Seems self-serving desire to sell more products.
All this IMHO, of course. Still, what could possibly be the reason for replacement after two years? Have never had to replace braided brake line, have you had to replace them?
As for self destructing... The ones the came stock on my '05 GS are still going strong. Brake line failures haven't exactly been a big issue from what I read here. I don't remember reading of any, come to think of it.
if your stock brake lines are not SS, they most definitely will self-destruct. die a slow death from old age, actually- but they certainly have a finite life span. AndyVH will likely chime in with more specifics as to process and causation- but it is a mistake to think that rubber lines will last forever.
It is also a mistake to believe that "stainless braided" brake lines will last forever. Some will fail sooner than others, depending on how they are made. Some have a rubber lining, a stiffener, and a braided outer sheath. The rubber can still fail. It won't likely pop and spew, but it can swell internally and rubber bits can slough off clogging things.
OK, now I've been on a brake fluid change frenzie. Guess I've neglected this a bit. Three of five bikes done. Only the rear of Annie's thumper looked bad; sorta like day old Army coffee.
if your stock brake lines are not SS, they most definitely will self-destruct. die a slow death from old age, actually- but they certainly have a finite life span. AndyVH will likely chime in with more specifics as to process and causation- but it is a mistake to think that rubber lines will last forever.
One thing worth mentioning about ATE Super Blue brake fluid is that it will turn plastic
brake reservoirs, and vacuum brake bleeder canisters blue, the color of the fluid.
No big deal but if you later switch to a fluid thats lighter in color, it might make it
harder to see the fluid level.