Dirty Brake fluid

[bobbyn]

I modified the hand controls on my 2014 VFR because I am missing my left hand. I used steel braided lines almost throughout the line (from hand control to caliper), but I have an issue with the fluid getting dark pretty quickly. It gets dark within 500 miles. The steel line goes from my hand control to the rear caliper except for the final 10-12 inches, then its the factory rubber hose.

 

Would the rubber hose be a factor? Does the dirty fluid effect performance?

 

TIA

[Thumbs]

Discoloured hydraulic fluid is almost always a seal going, as it's so close to the master cylinder that's where I'd start looking

[Dutchy]

There is only one important factor in hydraulic fluid imho. The % water in it.

This can be measured ofcourse.

There are cheaper and more expensive devices.

 

I will let the experts chime in, but reckon heat is a factor in discoloration.

[rckrzy1]

14 minutes ago, Dutchy said:

There is only one important factor in hydraulic fluid imho. The % water in it.

This can be measured ofcourse.

There are cheaper and more expensive devices.

 

I will let the experts chime in, but reckon heat is a factor in discoloration.

I bought a fluid checker for about $20 , works great. Has zero, 1,2,3/4% I think, new fluid is 0% water and I tested my cars which I change often and my wifes was like 1% , anything over 2% is bad, for grins I tested work vans that never get maint and one was 4% or IOW bad.

 

Bikes I change every year just because it's a bike, my car I track so it gets changed often as well as tech inspection won't let you run with more than 1%.

 

If it's dirty I would suspect a seal is deteriorating.

[fink]

Mines been the same colour for ages. Will change it when I get round to fitting new pads.