Car & Bike Regarding bike Disc brake

[mathrisk]

I own a FZ16 since last 3 years. I do my servicing at Yamaha regularly. (every 3/4 months after the frees were over).

Recently I was on vacation for 3 weeks and when I return I found my front brake is kinda loose. Means I have to pull the lever to touch the accelerator/handle to stop the wheel. I showed it some local street-side mechanic and he opened up the small box which have the fluids. But we saw that there were no fluid at all. Everything dried up. But I read somewhere, that is NOT suppose to happen - that box do not empty itself. (I'm not sure though)

Anyway, the mechanic guy filled the box with "brake oil" (as he said) after cleaning the parts. And now the brake working fine.
But my main concern - "Is brake oil is what normally goes into that disc brake box?"

I dunno what they put when I do my servicing in yamaha, but the way the local mechanic was talking about disc brake - I'm kinda not convinced about the whole affair. Could someone please clarify my doubts regarding this.

TIA

 

[dOm1naTOr]

At yamaha service center, they fill it with Yamaha's own brake fluid. There might be some leak either on the brake hose or the fitting assembly, orelse its not meant to be dried out like that, that too in just 3 years. Mine too is an FZ, just over 3 yrs old. Never had to fill brake fluid, and cann see from the transparent window on the brake fluid reservoir that its almost full. During free service period, filling with non certified fluid can void the warranty, but as yours is 3 yr old, no harm.

There is written on the brake fluid reservoir tank itself, which type of brake fluids you can use. If i remember correctly it was some type 3 or type 4. Ask the mechanic, which type did he use.

 

[geek ashish]

red colour : dot 3
transpernt/white colour : dot 4

Did Yamaha guys change the disk pads? while doing that they must have drained
some oil and forgot to fill it up.

Observe for any leakage or loss in braking for a week. Keep an eye on brake fluid
reservoir window.

if the oil level remains same, then no problem.

 

[SunnyBoi]

It is normal for the brake fluid (its not an oil per se ) to get finished up in 3 years.

General practice is to replace the brake fluid ever year. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture/water from the air) and hence more water added, causes problems in the brake system. Plus if water comes in, it will corrode all the aluminium parts (master cylinder, caliper) thus leading to costly replacements.

Any DOT3/4 fluid will do. make sure the fluid has been replaced with a sealed bottle. Loose fluid would have absorbed water and hence it might fail soon.

Its actually something one can do at home. Google for "Disc Brake bleeding" and you will get tons of guides. However, if you're not confident, do not try it. Playing unknowingly with brakes is not a good idea.

 

[geek ashish]

DOT 3 is hygroscopic not DOT4 (white).
that's why I suggest all my friends to change the whole brake fluid from DOT3 to DOT4.

 

[leomax]

DOT 3 is hygroscopic not DOT4 (white).

that's why I suggest all my friends to change the whole brake fluid from DOT3 to DOT4.

Isn't DOT 5 hydrophobic (DOT4 is hygroscopic afair ).