Brake system fluid flush and replacement 2017 RT

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brhartw

New member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #1

Hi,
i"m due for oil change and brake flush.

i handled both on my '99 1100RT with no issues. It was the ABS version.

Is there any reason that I can't also perform this service on a 2017 1200RT?

The '99 had just one front caliper and the '17 has two. So I'm guessing bleed each separately. I would use the traditional pump brake lever-hold-release fluid at bleed screw method.

Thanks for any tips!

 

kevinsclo

New member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #2

I did it last year with the squeeze-pump method as well. I did not bleed the ABS circuit as some suggested. After some research, I don’t believe bleeding the ABS system is necessary.

Mine is also a 2017 RT.

 

E

ebell

Member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #3

I'm a fan of Speedbleeders. But I'm just a guy on the internet.

 

ccolwell

Member

• Nov 22, 2020

• #4

A Triumph tech that I've long known and trust told me that I can change the brake fluid on ABS machines just as it's done on non-ABS systems. The amount of fluid in the ABS pump is minimal and circulates into the fresh fluid when you activate the ABS. As the amount is minimal it doesn't cause any issues.

 

kevinsclo

New member

• Nov 22, 2020

• #5

So for the RT (or GS), there are three circuits to bleed.

1. Front caliper X2
2. Rear caliper
3. ABS pump

While the fronts and the rear could be bled with the traditional method, you would need to connect to the computer via the OBD port to purge the ABS pump. However, my research shows that there is no need to flush the ABS pump as part of your regular maintenance.

Here is some reference material:

Boxflyer https://youtu.be/CzNDG49O5Ac

JVB http://www.jimvonbaden.com

 

C

cap

Former Member

• Nov 22, 2020

• #6

kevinsclo said:

Boxflyer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJAqO8pJpydWQ4z6iNOs9g

Click to expand...

Compared to the process on my 2004 RT with EVO brakes, this is a snap. +1 on the speed bleeder recommendation. But, you do need to use a GS911 to cycle the ABS pump.

Cap

 

Last edited: Nov 23, 2020

kevinsclo

New member

• Nov 22, 2020

• #7

cap said:

But, you do need to use a GS911 to cycle the ABS pump.

Cap

Click to expand...

Yes, your need either the GS911 or MotoScan to trigger the ABS pump to crank out the brake fluid. But as mentioned before, this is not part of the schedule maintenance, apparently.

 

ccolwell

Member

• Nov 23, 2020

• #8

ccolwell said:

A Triumph tech that I've long known and trust told me that I can change the brake fluid on ABS machines just as it's done on non-ABS systems. The amount of fluid in the ABS pump is minimal and circulates into the fresh fluid when you activate the ABS. As the amount is minimal it doesn't cause any issues.

Click to expand...

I should have added that I've done this at least a dozen times on ABS bikes without a problem (I change the fluid yearly).

 

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PoorUB

Active member

• Nov 23, 2020

• #9

For what the ABS module costs to replace, I am not taking any chances. I will flush it by the book.

 

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PoorUB

Active member

• Nov 23, 2020

• #10

I also find it ironic that with the ATGATT mentality here that anyone would recommend half a**ing a ABS brake flush. Then also consider the ABS module is a $2000 item.

 

Last edited: Nov 23, 2020

gsinnc

Well-known member

• Nov 23, 2020

• #11

PoorUB said:

I also find it ironic that with the ATGATT mentality here that anyone would recommend half a**ing a ABS brake flush. Then also consider the ABS module is a $2000 item.

Click to expand...

It’s an every 2 year service so my dealer does it as I’m usually in for tires anyway and really not that expensive but they ALWAYS suggest doing the full system including the pump.

 

B

brhartw

New member

• Nov 24, 2020

• #12

Thanks everyone!