Brake Fluid 101

[Chuck35]

For bleeding I use a poor boy bleeder------A piece of cheap clear tubing that fits over the bleed screw....pinch off the tube with a clothespin or something,I have used fingers , does same thing as hi $ speed bleeders....

I use something similar, the end of the tube goes into an old fluid container with a tad of brake fluid in the bottom.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Good info, except for the graph is for DOT 3 fluids which is not what is specified for FJR's. So I did a quick search for DOT 4 boiling points.

https://www.stoptech....ers/brake-fluid

This basically defines the DOT ratings for brake fluids.

Long story short, don't mix 3 or 4 with 5. 3 and 4 are okay to mix together in a pinch. 4 is more stable in early in life than 3, and, is better suited to race environments. Change your fluids!

Thanks Bungie. You're right: FJR's take DOT 4. I edited the post to include your info. I read up on some warnings about using DOT 5. Big mistake in an FJR. Noted that we should stick with the DOT 4 as recommended by Yammie.

DO NOT USE DOT 5 IN YOUR FJR! It is synthetic brake oil and your bike isn't made for it.

 

[Ragnar]

I have never changed the brake or clutch fluid on my 08 Maybe this will be my next project :huh: Now I am off to find a tutorial on fluid changing for dummies.

It's crazy easy to do. I prefer the SpeedBleeders while others prefer the Mightyvac. Use what makes you comfortable, but either of these tools will make the process quick, mess free, and easy.

With my bleeders, I open them about 1/4 turn, connect a plastic hose and pump the old fluid out. Doesn't take much as I use a syringe to take the old fluid out of the reservoir first.

No leaks, no air getting back into the system, and when the pumps fluid shows clear, I close up the valve and fill the reservoir.

The order you do the bleed will depend on what Gen bike you have, as all 2006+ are linked brakes.

For my GenII, I do left front, then right front. Then I goto the rear brakes. I do the lower right front (the linked one) first, and then the rear.

Then I do the clutch.

Easily done and tools put away in 30 minutes. The bike just feels better afterward. Its prolly mostly placebo effect, but whatever, I like fresh fluid in my binders and clutch.

For what it's worth......I just changed the brake fluid on my 2008 for the first time. I read all the posts and did as much research as I could before taking on the task (I'm not very mechancally skilled). I ended up buying a Mityvac, after multiple attempts I could never get the airless flow of fluid. I gave up and resorted to doing it the old fashion way and had no problems at all!

 

[wheatonFJR]

For what it's worth......I just changed the brake fluid on my 2008 for the first time. I read all the posts and did as much research as I could before taking on the task (I'm not very mechancally skilled). I ended up buying a Mityvac, after multiple attempts I could never get the airless flow of fluid. I gave up and resorted to doing it the old fashion way and had no problems at all!

Get speedbleeders...makes things so easy I can do it.

 

[rbentnail]

Get speedbleeders...makes things so easy I can do it.

+1. I've been wrenching since the late 70's in the Navy and speedbleeders are the easiest, most straight-forward I've found.

 

[AlleyCat]

So, on the SpeedBleeders website, they stop at the 06-08 FJR for part numbers. I am assuming that for a 09, there is no difference from an 06-08 ? I don't have the bike at home (winter storage), so taking out a OEM bleeder valve is not an option for me right now. I would order the bleed valves over the winter so that in the spring I can get them installed.

So, anyone can confirm that the parts would fit ? Thanks for the help...

 

[HotRodZilla]

So, on the SpeedBleeders website, they stop at the 06-08 FJR for part numbers. I am assuming that for a 09, there is no difference from an 06-08 ? I don't have the bike at home (winter storage), so taking out a OEM bleeder valve is not an option for me right now. I would order the bleed valves over the winter so that in the spring I can get them installed.

So, anyone can confirm that the parts would fit ? Thanks for the help...

Contact Alex at Mishacycles.com. he'll know exactly what you need and will for your bike. His prices are great, his customer service is great, and he gives a Forum discount.

Alex used to ride an FJR till he crashed it and went to an FZ1. He's also a former member of this board. Call him...

 

[AlleyCat]

So, on the SpeedBleeders website, they stop at the 06-08 FJR for part numbers. I am assuming that for a 09, there is no difference from an 06-08 ? I don't have the bike at home (winter storage), so taking out a OEM bleeder valve is not an option for me right now. I would order the bleed valves over the winter so that in the spring I can get them installed.

So, anyone can confirm that the parts would fit ? Thanks for the help...

Contact Alex at Mishacycles.com. he'll know exactly what you need and will for your bike. His prices are great, his customer service is great, and he gives a Forum discount.

Alex used to ride an FJR till he crashed it and went to an FZ1. He's also a former member of this board. Call him...

Thanks for the info !!!

 

[Donal]

For what it's worth......I just changed the brake fluid on my 2008 for the first time. I read all the posts and did as much research as I could before taking on the task (I'm not very mechancally skilled). I ended up buying a Mityvac, after multiple attempts I could never get the airless flow of fluid. I gave up and resorted to doing it the old fashion way and had no problems at all!

If you are using something like a Mityvac then you will need to seal the threads of the bleed nipple, otherwise air will be drawn in past the threads. Some people use grease, some use teflon tape (but not me). You can get thread sealant on the speedbleeder website. If (as you did) you use the time tested method, this problem is bypassed as you are 'pumping' the fluid out under positive pressure.

Don

 

[HotRodZilla]

Thanks for the info !!!

Posted this info in another thread. Shoulda done it here too:

Mishacycles info:

1-847-282-0107

https://mishacycles.com/store/

 

[08FJR4ME]

Thanks for the info !!!

Posted this info in another thread. Shoulda done it here too:

Mishacycles info:

1-847-282-0107

https://mishacycles.com/store/

Changed out brake fluid today. Did it the old school way. All went smooth and brakes are much better. No more spongy feeling.

Dave