brake fluid life

ljs1977
ljs1977 Posts: 247
edited February 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
My brakes are a little spongy, I have bought a brake bleed kit and plan to do it my self.

The kit comes with a small pot of fluid. When I have pushed the fluid through should the remainder be discarded or can I reuse?.



Cheers

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    discarded safely.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    also make sure there is no air in your open pot of fluid, crush the container until it almost overflows and screw the cap on.
    dot fluid and wet air get on a little too well.
    hygroscopic
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • gtd.
    gtd. Posts: 626
    As said above DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 are glycol based and absorbs moisture from the air lowering the boiling point of the fluid. Some fluids are more Hygroscopic than others Castrol SRF for example is incredibly hygroscopic but is a high boiling point fluid for race cars and is designed to be changed regularly
    Mountain: Orange Patriot FR, SubZero & Evo2LE.
    Road: Tifosi Race Custom.
    Do it all bike: Surly Disc Trucker 700c/29er
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Most cars have a 2 year service change interval on brake fluid with an open top resevoir, ours are sealed and so in reality probably never need changing.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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