Hey all, question, I have a 04 R* and the guys at the local YM. store said you should change the brake fluid every 2 years? They dontleak and I have
plenty of stopping power. Also I would like to change the pads front and back,is that a hard job? Also what grade of brake fluid should I use?,DOT 3
or DOT4.I hate to take a dealers word on anything till I run it past you guys!! Thanks

changing the brake fluid is a pita but it's actually a good idea. use DOT4

change it every 2 years. brake fluid absorbs water so you whitch you dont want. lowers the boiling point and it can cause other issues like rust or corrosion on the inside

also you would get rid of all the nasty crap inside the lines that damages seals

Change is good. Brake fluid is also very corrosive and actually eats away at the brake lines over time, which can also increase the likelihood of causing the caliper pistons to stick. You can tell by the darkened color of the fluid that comes out of the bleeder screw on the calipers. Depending on how long it's been, it could even look black. Brake fluid should be clear as water. This can happen even though the fluid in the reservoir is clear. Just be sure to properly bleed the brakes when you're done.

Replacing the pads isn't all that hard though, the trick is to push the pistons back *as far as possible* before installing the new pads. Otherwise, sliding the new pads over the rotor can be a big hassle. If you do it right, they should slip right on.

Replace the pads before you do the fluid and be sure to remove the reservoir caps *before* you push the pistons back. Depending on how long it's been, it's possible the shop has topped off the fluid to compensate for the pad wear. As a result, when you push the pistons back in, it could cause the reservoir to overflow. Just be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level in the reservoir. It wouldn't hurt to wrap a rag around the reservoir. Brake fluid is real nasty stuff and will eat right through your paint and other rubber/plastic surfaces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09peSQc9ROI

Here you go LBundy. good video on the Brake bleeding.

I change my fluid every time I change tires, about every 10 months. Same schedule for lubing steering head bearings.

Tug wrote:
changing the brake fluid is a pita but it's actually a good idea. use DOT4
==========================
2X That!

Scott

i put speedbleeders on mine..makes it a snap..when in doubt,change it out !!! Cheap,easy,and worth the effort ..

Don't wait for your brakes to get spongy or leaky before you change the fluid.
That's like waiting to hear a rod knock to change your oil.
By then, you're already looking at problems you could have avoided.

I've thought about the speed bleeders just to make the job faster & easier.
Nothing wrong with that!