Dot4 change frequency

5408 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Deano968, Jan 7, 2020

thedoc46

Discussion Starter · Apr 7, 2017

How often are you guys / girls changing your DOT4 brake fluid ?

I know the workshop manual says 36months, however when i was at my local ducati dealership buying some Motul300v the mechanic came out the back and said to me, (as he knew i was doing my own service) don't forget to do the DOT4 change, cos of the ABS Ducati recommends you change it every yr.

I'm probably not going to, as the bike is only just over a yr old, and if the workshop manual states 36months, then i'll go with that.. But there is some truth to DOT 4 having to be changed more frequently, and DOT3 normally is every 36months, and it wouldn't be the first time Ducati's workshop manual is incorrect.

So curious how often are you changing your brake fluid and for those of you who've had their bikes for a yr and have actually taken their bikes in, did the dealer do it as part of the annual service ?

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Hui

· #2 · Apr 7, 2017

Pretty much it's recognised to change all mineral brake fluids on any vehicle @ two years due to hygroscopic tendencies of the fluid.
Personaly I think it's excessive as the fluid has a diaphragm between the air and fluid and should never come into contact with air/moisture.
The hoses and seals can contaminate the fluid causing it to darken, changing the fluid can slow the process and give the system a fresh feel.
'Never' top-up the fluid unless it's leaked out for some reason, low fluid indicates worn pads and if the fluid is topped up then there's no room for the fluid when the pistons are pushed in after fitting new ones.

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Bkp

· #3 · Jan 2, 2020

thedoc46 said:
How often are you guys / girls changing your DOT4 brake fluid ?

I know the workshop manual says 36months, however when i was at my local ducati dealership buying some Motul300v the mechanic came out the back and said to me, (as he knew i was doing my own service) don't forget to do the DOT4 change, cos of the ABS Ducati recommends you change it every yr.

I'm probably not going to, as the bike is only just over a yr old, and if the workshop manual states 36months, then i'll go with that.. But there is some truth to DOT 4 having to be changed more frequently, and DOT3 normally is every 36months, and it wouldn't be the first time Ducati's workshop manual is incorrect.

So curious how often are you changing your brake fluid and for those of you who've had their bikes for a yr and have actually taken their bikes in, did the dealer do it as part of the annual service ?

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Bkp

· #4 · Jan 2, 2020

I have a cafe racer. I had to do it at about a year and 8 months(4200 miles). The brake lever would bottom out. Dealer told me to do it every year. Also had to change tires. Yea.... bout $750 for oil change,tires,and brake flush a year. This is times two for me. I have a daivel as well. I love both bikes, but wish I had the computer to do my own maintenance.

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K1W1

· #5 · Jan 3, 2020

Change tyres every year? Your dealer is ripping you off.
Tyres last 5 years or until they are worn out whichever is sooner. Changing them every year unless they are worn out is just your dealer taking money from your pocket.

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Deano968

· #6 · Jan 7, 2020

K1W1 said:
Change tyres every year? Your dealer is ripping you off.
Tyres last 5 years or until they are worn out whichever is sooner. Changing them every year unless they are worn out is just your dealer taking money from your pocket.

I wore my rear out @ about 8000km so I guess that's easily achieved in a year for some?

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