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techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/20 21:33] – [Brake Fluid Shelf Life] hippysmacktechtalk:ref:wheels03 [2025/10/31 18:30] (current) – [DOT 5] hippysmack
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 ===== Brake Fluid Shelf Life ===== ===== Brake Fluid Shelf Life =====
-DOT3,4 and 5.1 Brake fluids tend to absorb humidity from the air. \\ +==== Subdocuments ==== 
-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))| \\+  * [[techtalk:ref:wheels03a|Example of an outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid]] 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/))| |Prestone|  |Not specified in TDS ((https://prestone.com/product/prestone-dot-4-brake-fluid/))|
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 |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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 ===== DOT 5 =====     ===== DOT 5 =====    
-  * The change to Dot 5 brake fluid was made with HD production motorcycles in September of 1976 ((HD Service Letter M-28)). It is of silicone chemistry and not being water miscible, it must rely on the silicone (with some corrosion inhibitors) as a barrier film to control corrosion. Water is not absorbed by silicone as in the case of DOT 3-4-5.1 fluids, and will remain as a separate globule sinking to the lowest point in the brake system, since it is more dense. ((http://importnut.net/brakefluid.htm))+  * The change to Dot 5 brake fluid was made with HD production motorcycles in September of 1976 ((HD Service Letter M-28)). As the production month for new models generally starts in June (ish), September is considered to be of the Late production season. 1977 models produced before September would have come with DOT 3 brake fluid and models produced after September would have come with DOT 5 brake fluid. If in doubt, always check the master cylinder cap. The type of fluid the master should run is written there. 
 +  * DOT 5 brake fluid is of silicone chemistry and not being water miscible, it must rely on the silicone (with some corrosion inhibitors) as a barrier film to control corrosion. Water is not absorbed by silicone as in the case of DOT 3-4-5.1 fluids, and will remain as a separate globule sinking to the lowest point in the brake system, since it is more dense. ((http://importnut.net/brakefluid.htm))
   * When using Dot 3 brake fluid, the brake system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with new brake fluid every year to eliminate any contamination such as sludge. This yearly service was eliminated when D.O.T.-5 silicone fluid was used instead and with improved performance. ((HD Service Bulletin #M712 dated June 16, 1977 pg 1))   * When using Dot 3 brake fluid, the brake system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with new brake fluid every year to eliminate any contamination such as sludge. This yearly service was eliminated when D.O.T.-5 silicone fluid was used instead and with improved performance. ((HD Service Bulletin #M712 dated June 16, 1977 pg 1))
   * Silicone brake fluid reduces corrosion, will not degrade the "rubber" components, and sludge will not form in the system. It will not absorb water, does not attack painted parts, and has a higher boiling point than conventional brake fluid. When stored under normal conditions it has unlimited shelf life. However, it is somewhat harder to bleed brakes with Dot 5 because of its viscosity. ((HD Service Bulletin #M712 dated June 16, 1977 pg 1))   * Silicone brake fluid reduces corrosion, will not degrade the "rubber" components, and sludge will not form in the system. It will not absorb water, does not attack painted parts, and has a higher boiling point than conventional brake fluid. When stored under normal conditions it has unlimited shelf life. However, it is somewhat harder to bleed brakes with Dot 5 because of its viscosity. ((HD Service Bulletin #M712 dated June 16, 1977 pg 1))

Trace: • REF: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-03T • REF: Wheels, Brakes & Tires