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| techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/20 21:42] – [When to Check or Change Brake Fluid] hippysmack | techtalk:ref:wheels03 [2024/05/23 04:33] (current) – [Example of outdated (new) bottle of brake fluid] hippysmack | ||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: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * **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, | ||
| + | * 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| | ||
| + | | 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:// | |ATE| |Up to 5 years from Born On date in the original sealed container. ((ATE TDS PDF 2-3-2022 https:// | ||
| |Bardahl| | |Bardahl| | ||
| Line 17: | Line 40: | ||
| |Genuine Chemistry (GC)|Not specified in TDS ((https:// | |Genuine Chemistry (GC)|Not specified in TDS ((https:// | ||
| |Gulf| | |Gulf| | ||
| + | |HD Expert| | ||
| |Lucas| | |Lucas| | ||
| |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:// | ||
| |Morris| | |Morris| | ||
| |Prestone| | |Prestone| | ||
| Line 24: | Line 49: | ||
| |Spec Oil| |Not specified in TDS ((https:// | |Spec Oil| |Not specified in TDS ((https:// | ||
| |Veedol| | |Veedol| | ||
| - | ===== 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:// | ||
| ===== 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' | Most brake fluid manufacturers suggest following your vehicle manufacturer' | ||
| In the absence of vehicle manufacturer specifications, | In the absence of vehicle manufacturer specifications, | ||
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| 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:// | 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:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== 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:// | ||
| ^Year Model^Check^Change^ | ^Year Model^Check^Change^ | ||