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techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2022/08/16 18:58] hippysmack [Testing Your Brake Fluid] |
techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/01/25 00:22] (current) hippysmack |
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| ===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid ===== | ===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid ===== | ||
| - | Copper content is the most destructive aspect of brake fluid breakdown. \\ So even without moisture being present in the fluid, it is still a good idea to change the fluid when it is suppose to be changed. ((Baphomet of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1227590)) | + | Copper content is the most destructive aspect of brake fluid breakdown. \\ So even without moisture being present in the fluid, it is still a good idea to change the fluid when it is suppose to be changed. ((Baphomet of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/123676-tip-for-how-to-test-brake-fluid-with-multimeter?t=1227590)) |
| ^Year Model^Check^Change^ | ^Year Model^Check^Change^ | ||
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| * DOT 5.1 is available Clear, Pale Yellow & Blue. | * DOT 5.1 is available Clear, Pale Yellow & Blue. | ||
| * DOT 5 is available in Purple & Violet. ((http://advancepetro.com/differentbrakefluid.htm)) | * DOT 5 is available in Purple & Violet. ((http://advancepetro.com/differentbrakefluid.htm)) | ||
| - | * Turns clear during use (even though it is still fine to use). ((sportysrock of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=70213)) | + | * Turns clear during use (even though it is still fine to use). ((sportysrock of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/36109-bleeding-rear-brakes-oojidfsojifjo?threadid=70213)) |
| - | * **Test for moisture content**: \\ This test is a result of an SAE paper showing a distinct relationship between moisture content and the voltage measured. ((turkishxl883 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1227590)) | + | * **Test for moisture content**: \\ This test is a result of an SAE paper showing a distinct relationship between moisture content and the voltage measured. ((turkishxl883 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/123676-tip-for-how-to-test-brake-fluid-with-multimeter?t=1227590)) |
| - | * Brake fluid (3,4 & 5.1) is hygroscopic (able to draw in moisture like a sponge). \\ It is no wonder, then, that the brake fluid in the master cylinder is often dark, almost black in appearance. \\ But does that mean it has to be changed? Not always. \\ Glycol based fluid absorbs moisture and disperses it throughout the system. \\ Silicone based (5) fluid does not allow moisture to enter the system. So this test may not work for DOT 5 fluid. ((steelworker of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1227590)) \\ (since it's the moisture inside the fluid that makes the reaction) \\ And while there are test strips to test the moisture content, \\ Here is a method that works just as well. \\ Use your DMM (Digital Multimeter) to test the fluid. | + | * Brake fluid (3,4 & 5.1) is hygroscopic (able to draw in moisture like a sponge). \\ It is no wonder, then, that the brake fluid in the master cylinder is often dark, almost black in appearance. \\ But does that mean it has to be changed? Not always. \\ Glycol based fluid absorbs moisture and disperses it throughout the system. \\ Silicone based (5) fluid does not allow moisture to enter the system. So this test may not work for DOT 5 fluid. ((steelworker of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/123676-tip-for-how-to-test-brake-fluid-with-multimeter?t=1227590)) \\ (since it's the moisture inside the fluid that makes the reaction) \\ And while there are test strips to test the moisture content, \\ Here is a method that works just as well. \\ Use your DMM (Digital Multimeter) to test the fluid. |
| * The procedure is easy enough. | * The procedure is easy enough. | ||
| * Hook up your negative meter lead to the negative battery post. | * Hook up your negative meter lead to the negative battery post. | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
| * If silicone is introduced into an older brake system; \\ The silicone will latch onto the sludge generated by gradual component deterioration and create a gelatin like goop. \\ (which will attract more crud and eventually plug up metering orifices or cause pistons to stick) \\ If you have already changed to DOT 5, don't compound the problem and change back. \\ You will never get all of the silicone out of your system. Just change the fluid regularly. \\ For those who race using silicone fluid; \\ Crack the bleed screws before each racing session to insure that there is no water in the calipers. ((http://importnut.net/brakefluid.htm)) | * If silicone is introduced into an older brake system; \\ The silicone will latch onto the sludge generated by gradual component deterioration and create a gelatin like goop. \\ (which will attract more crud and eventually plug up metering orifices or cause pistons to stick) \\ If you have already changed to DOT 5, don't compound the problem and change back. \\ You will never get all of the silicone out of your system. Just change the fluid regularly. \\ For those who race using silicone fluid; \\ Crack the bleed screws before each racing session to insure that there is no water in the calipers. ((http://importnut.net/brakefluid.htm)) | ||
| - | | Note the gooey mess from mixing Dot 5 and Dot 3 fluids. ((photos by FearlessFrisbee of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1508535)) ((photo by brianbbs67 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?s=b7cdc14394b5d341991efe72f18f9aad&t=1932868&page=2)) ||| | + | | Note the gooey mess from mixing Dot 5 and Dot 3 fluids. ((photos by FearlessFrisbee of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139024-rear-wheel-install-conundrum?t=1508535)) ((photo by brianbbs67 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/179874-front-caliper-sticking/page2?s=b7cdc14394b5d341991efe72f18f9aad&t=1932868&page=2)) ||| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:dot_5_-_dot_3_mix_goop_1_by_fearlessfrisbee.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:dot_5_-_dot_3_mix_goop_2_by_fearlessfrisbee.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:1977_front_master_cylinder_piston_gummed_up_by_brianbbs67.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:dot_5_-_dot_3_mix_goop_1_by_fearlessfrisbee.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:dot_5_-_dot_3_mix_goop_2_by_fearlessfrisbee.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:wheels:1977_front_master_cylinder_piston_gummed_up_by_brianbbs67.jpg?direct&300|}}| | ||
| - | ===== Swapping Brake Fluid (Dot 3 to Dot 5) ===== | ||
| + | ===== Swapping Brake Fluid (Dot 3 to Dot 5) ===== | ||
| The following is found in HD Technical Service Bulletin M-712 dated June 16,1977. \\ | The following is found in HD Technical Service Bulletin M-712 dated June 16,1977. \\ | ||
