Adding Brake Fluid

[drew231506]

I have a gsxr that has almost zero brake fluid in the reservoir. I was wondering if you can just top it off with the same type of brake fluid or if you have to bleed the system first?? Also it hasnt been ridden in about a year, do you think there is a leak somewhere or do you think its low from sitting??

Thanks!

 

[GunMD]

There aren't many sharp areas to be concerned about...you should be able to accomplish this task with very little injury and no bleeding.

 

[twowheelnut]

Phuckin' smart-*** jerk. <_< No wonder no one likes us.

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If the fluid has gone beyond the bottom of the reservoir, I'd bleed and refill. How long since the last change?

 

[drew231506]

Phuckin' smart-*** jerk. <_< No wonder no one likes us.
______________________________________

If the fluid has gone beyond the bottom of the reservoir, I'd bleed and refill. How long since the last change?

I've grown to love you both...otherwise I woulda posted on a different forum but this is home for me (and my dumb questions) now.

I would guess it never has been changed, the bike only has 3000 miles on it. (that and if i know the guy i bought it from, he did nothing.) Its gone well below the "lower" line, I had to open it to see the little bit at the very bottom.

 

[twowheelnut]

Bleed and change it. Sitting for a year could have introduced some water in there. Check the lines for cracks too. You don't wanna take chances on having the brakes go south on you.

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

IMO, you can try to add fluid without the bleed but I would then test the brakes before trusting them much. After adding fluid, I'd look closely for leaks around banjo bolts, master cylinder or brake calipers. Didn't mention how old the machine is. If it's over two years, I'd suggest a fluid replacement.

 

[Scab]

I've grown to love you both...

That's just gay. You're gonna need a really swarmy insult to negate that one.

 

[odot]

Left coasters and right coasters..............sittin in a tree

f

u

c

 

[vabrzn]

I'd go ahead and change the fluid, it'll save you a bunch of $$ in the long run. I'd look for leaks too, shouldn't have gotten that low unless the previous owner put worn out pads on it or there is a leak?

 

[Bustanut joker]

K

I

N

G

just working on makin a baaybie

Finished it for ya son.

Oh, Zabrzn, don't take a leak in yer reservoir, it'll cause tons of grief.

:jester:

 

[Old Michael]

KI

N

G

just working on makin a baaybie

Finished it for ya son.

Oh, Zabrzn, don't take a leak in yer reservoir, it'll cause tons of grief.

:jester:

Why am I drawn to these posts............?

 

[Bustanut joker]

Your questioning your sexuality??? Hey you asked.

:jester:

 

[madmike2]

IMO, you can try to add fluid without the bleed but I would then test the brakes before trusting them much. After adding fluid, I'd look closely for leaks around banjo bolts, master cylinder or brake calipers. Didn't mention how old the machine is. If it's over two years, I'd suggest a fluid replacement.

Brake fluid doesn't evaporate. It had to go someplace. Did the former owner ever "lay it down"? As Mike said, inspect the joints at the banjo bolts and take a close look at the calipers.

Personally, I would fill with new fluid and bleed the system. You might as well effect the change from the old fluid.

 

[drew231506]

Mike, actually he did lay it down...

Do you think the cap popped off or there is damage somewhere? Ill have to look closer tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Left coasters and right coasters..............sittin in a treef

u

c

There you go again... bringing coasts into it. This was a good forum now it's gotten rather silly....

Drew;

After you fill it (don't know if your bleeding it too, no matter) keep an eye on the reservoir level to see if it drops again. You may have other issues, like a leak, eh. Of course as the brakes wear the level will go down a little. Hopefully the guy just lost fluid when he laid it down.

Good luck.

 

[Kevin Daly]

Left coasters and right coasters..............sittin in a treef

u

c

There you go again... bringing coasts into it. This was a good forum now it's gotten rather silly....

Comming from a Californian...

at any rate dude get your breaks inspected by somone who knows what they are doing. Your question suggests that you arent very experienced with breaks (hey neither am I) and like those perverts said you dont want problem with breaks when your needing them!

 

[dcarver]

Bleed and change it. Sitting for a year could have introduced some water in there. Check the lines for cracks too. You don't wanna take chances on having the brakes go south on you.

Why are all negative comments associated with 'south'? Got something against Mexico? Jeesh, just once in awhile, use the term 'going North' to denote a failure.. On a thread related note.. Be sure to refill with the same type of brake fluid. Don't mix and match, it will be costly.

 

[twowheelnut]

Why are all negative comments associated with 'south'? Got something against Mexico? Jeesh, just once in awhile, use the term 'going North' to denote a failure.. On a thread related note.. Be sure to refill with the same type of brake fluid. Don't mix and match, it will be costly.

Aw, go south yourself!

 

[madmike2]

Mike, actually he did lay it down...
Do you think the cap popped off or there is damage somewhere? Ill have to look closer tomorrow. Thanks.

I wonder if the cap or reservoir didn't flex and let some fluid escape. Since the bike has been on its side, absolutely double check the lines and connections.