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techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/20 21:42] – [When to Check or Change Brake Fluid] hippysmacktechtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/23 04:33] (current) – [Example of outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid] hippysmack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 +  * [[techtalk:ref:wheels03a|Example of an outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid]]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/))| |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))|
-===== HD Recommendations ===== 
-^Year Model^Hydraulic brake fluid Type^ 
-|1959 to prior to Sept. 1976 production models|DOT 3 ((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))| 
  
 ===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid ===== ===== When to Check or Change Brake Fluid =====
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 Most brake fluid manufacturers suggest following your vehicle manufacturer's change intervals. \\ 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. \\ 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)) 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 =====
 +^Year Model^Hydraulic brake fluid Type^
 +|1959 to prior to Sept. 1976 production models|DOT 3 ((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))|
  
 ^Year Model^Check^Change^ ^Year Model^Check^Change^