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techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/20 21:21] – [Brake Fluid Shelf Life] hippysmacktechtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/23 04:33] (current) – [Example of outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid] hippysmack
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 ===== Brake Fluid Shelf Life ===== ===== Brake Fluid Shelf Life =====
 +==== Subdocuments ====
 +  * [[techtalk:ref:wheels03a|Example of an outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid]]
 +
 +  * **Storage Area**:
 +    * Store undercover, away from moisture and direct sunlight in well-ventilated area.
 +  * **Storage Temp**:
 +    * The majority of brake fluid manufacturers suggest storing unopened sealed containers between 20C (68F) and 40C (104F). \\ Note: different brands list different storage temps so check your fluid manufacturer for actual storage temp suggested.
 +  * **Storage Time**:
 +    * The storage time (or shelf life) includes from the time the bottle was sealed at the manufacturer, not when you bought it.
 +    * Some brands publicize the shelf life of their brake fluid but most do not.
 +    * As can be seen from the chart below, different brands will list different shelf life of their brake fluid.
 +  * **Lot Number**:
 +    * Every bottle of brake fluid should have a lot number printed somewhere on the label or bottle. \\ The lot# should include the date it was bottled. \\ The date within the lot# may be variations of Month-Day-Year or a Julian style date code.
 +    * If the lot number is faded or unreadable, don't buy/use it. It may have already died on the shelf before you bought it.
 +      * If ordering thru mail, check the lot# when you receive it.
 +    * You can call the manufacturer and ask for replacement or refund if it's past the shelf life date (or just dispose the bottle)
 +    * You can also call them and ask how to read the date on the bottle.
 +
 +The chart below was compiled from Technical Data Sheets (TDS), read as public flyers, from different brake fluid manufacturers. \\
 +No endorsements are implied. All brake fluids brands are not listed. The list is for shelf life comparison (or not) only. \\ 
 +Brands (only) are listed since each brand below listed the same storage info for each DOT type fluid they sell. \\
  
 |Brand|Date Code on Bottle|Unopened Shelf Life| |Brand|Date Code on Bottle|Unopened Shelf Life|
 +|ACDelco|  |At least five years. ((https://acdelco.com.au/gm-b2cau/cms/pdf/Flyers/ACDelco%20Global%20DOT%204%20Brake%20Fluid%20(Sell%20Sheet).pdf))|
 +|  Notes|When stored under appropriate conditions in original closed containers at max temp of 40°C.||
 |ATE|  |Up to 5 years from Born On date in the original sealed container. ((ATE TDS PDF 2-3-2022 https://www.ate-brakes.com/media/3794/ate_td009_dot5-1-web.pdf))| |ATE|  |Up to 5 years from Born On date in the original sealed container. ((ATE TDS PDF 2-3-2022 https://www.ate-brakes.com/media/3794/ate_td009_dot5-1-web.pdf))|
 |Bardahl|  |2 Years in original container. ((https://bardahl.fr/Bardahl/media/Files/5912_en_tds.pdf))| |Bardahl|  |2 Years in original container. ((https://bardahl.fr/Bardahl/media/Files/5912_en_tds.pdf))|
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 |Genuine Chemistry (GC)|Not specified in TDS ((https://genuine-chemistry.com/wp-content/uploads/tds/TDS-GC-Brake-Fluid-v2201.pdf))| |Genuine Chemistry (GC)|Not specified in TDS ((https://genuine-chemistry.com/wp-content/uploads/tds/TDS-GC-Brake-Fluid-v2201.pdf))|
 |Gulf|  | Not specified in TDS ((https://euassets.gulfoilltd.com/PDS-DPD/pds/Gulf%20Brake%20Fluid%20DOT%203_PDS_86.pdfhttps://euassets.gulfoilltd.com/PDS-DPD/pds/Gulf%20Brake%20Fluid%20DOT%203_PDS_86.pdf))| |Gulf|  | Not specified in TDS ((https://euassets.gulfoilltd.com/PDS-DPD/pds/Gulf%20Brake%20Fluid%20DOT%203_PDS_86.pdfhttps://euassets.gulfoilltd.com/PDS-DPD/pds/Gulf%20Brake%20Fluid%20DOT%203_PDS_86.pdf))|
 +|HD Expert|  |Up to one year after the date of manufacture in original sealed container. ((https://lubejunction.com/wp-content/uploads/tech_specs/TDS-Brake-Clutch-Fluid-DOT-4.pdf))|
 |Lucas|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://www.lucasoil.com/pdf/TDS_BrakeFluid_DOT4.pdf))| |Lucas|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://www.lucasoil.com/pdf/TDS_BrakeFluid_DOT4.pdf))|
 |Mobile|YYYY.MM.DD.D|3 Years from Born On date in original sealed container. ((Mobile TDS PDF copyright 2017))| |Mobile|YYYY.MM.DD.D|3 Years from Born On date in original sealed container. ((Mobile TDS PDF copyright 2017))|
 +|MOL|  |3 Years from Born On date in original sealed container. ((https://mollubricants.com/images/content/LUB_repo/TDS_MOL%20DOT%205_1_GB.pdf))|
 |Morris|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://uklubricants.agcoparts.com/downloads/tds_brakefluid.pdf))| |Morris|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://uklubricants.agcoparts.com/downloads/tds_brakefluid.pdf))|
 +|Prestone|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://prestone.com/product/prestone-dot-4-brake-fluid/))|
 |Shell|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://shellcarcareproducts.com/files/products/tds/shell-brake-clutch-fluid-dot-4-tds-en(2).pdf))| |Shell|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://shellcarcareproducts.com/files/products/tds/shell-brake-clutch-fluid-dot-4-tds-en(2).pdf))|
 |Spec Oil|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://specoils.co.za/pdf/engine-oil/BRAKE%20FLUID%20DOT%204%20TDS.pdf))| |Spec Oil|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://specoils.co.za/pdf/engine-oil/BRAKE%20FLUID%20DOT%204%20TDS.pdf))|
 |Veedol|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://www.veedol.ae/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veedol-DOT-3-TDS-2020.pdf))| |Veedol|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://www.veedol.ae/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Veedol-DOT-3-TDS-2020.pdf))|
 +
 +===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid =====
 +DOT3,4 and 5.1 Brake fluids tend to absorb humidity from the air. \\
 +This reduces the boiling point and increases the risk to get to a “vapor lock” phenomena. ((Motul https://azupim01.motul.com/media/motulData/DO/base/RBF_660_FACTORY_LINE_en_FR_motul_48200_20211019.pdf))| \\
 +Over time, brake fluid absorbs water from hoses, seals, etc., which also may reduce its boiling point and impair braking performance. \\
 +Most brake fluid manufacturers suggest following your vehicle manufacturer's change intervals. \\
 +In the absence of vehicle manufacturer specifications, it is generally suggested to change fluid at least every 2 years. \\
 +Copper content is the most destructive aspect of brake fluid breakdown. \\ So even without moisture being present in the fluid, it is still a good idea to change the fluid when it is suppose to be changed. ((Baphomet of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/123676-tip-for-how-to-test-brake-fluid-with-multimeter?t=1227590))
 +
 ===== HD Recommendations ===== ===== HD Recommendations =====
 ^Year Model^Hydraulic brake fluid Type^ ^Year Model^Hydraulic brake fluid Type^
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 |Sept. 1976 to 2006|DOT 5 (99902-77) ((1986-1990 HD Sportster FSM)) ((Clymer Repair Manual for Sportsters 1959-1985 pg 83))| |Sept. 1976 to 2006|DOT 5 (99902-77) ((1986-1990 HD Sportster FSM)) ((Clymer Repair Manual for Sportsters 1959-1985 pg 83))|
 |2007 and later|DOT 4 ((http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/sportster_history:start#sportster_parts_chart))| |2007 and later|DOT 4 ((http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/sportster_history:start#sportster_parts_chart))|
- 
-===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid ===== 
-Copper content is the most destructive aspect of brake fluid breakdown. \\ So even without moisture being present in the fluid, it is still a good idea to change the fluid when it is suppose to be changed. ((Baphomet of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-drivetrain/sportster-motorcycle-tires-wheels-and-brakes-aa/123676-tip-for-how-to-test-brake-fluid-with-multimeter?t=1227590)) 
  
 ^Year Model^Check^Change^ ^Year Model^Check^Change^

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