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RUBBER SUSPENDED IN BRAKE FLUID
If you see darkish black brake fluid, it's a clear sign of rubber particles in suspension.
This is evident especially on motorcycles rear brakes.
Also to watch out for if you use a hydraulic clutch, the heat & constant hose flex on the stock rubber hose cause accelerated wear as can be seen from the debris in the reservoir cup on the right.
It's all rubber particulates that can and will travel into moving parts of the brake system and cause further wear of components.
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Use a lint free cloth or paper towel to soak up brake fluid.
THEN, clear with water & clean & dry.
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| Rubber particulates mean there's wear somewhere. |
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| Brake components like bolts & banjos if coated in blackish sludge is a sure sign that you have to check the hoses and rubber seals on the pumps & calipers. |
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DAMAGE FROM WEAR LEADING TO FURTHER CORROSION
Once there's a good amount of wear on the seals, it'll cause wear on the moving parts, causing corrosion by removing treated surfaces to expose raw metal. Water in the system will cause corrosion to occur at a faster rate. Hence the need to always keep brake fluid fresh and clean.
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| If you see these signs, check seals on pump & calipers, it's a good idea to dismantle these for a good cleanup and possibly replace worn components. |
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Right side shows rear master cylinder pump kit & seal wear & rust.
Rear brake master cylinders & low slung calipers on motorcycles are the most prone to neglect. |
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Corrosion in brake system as brake fluid is often neglected during servicing.
- First signs are darkish fluid colors
- Then rubber particulates as fluid loses lubricity and wears
- Brown colored fluid happens when corrosion sets in
- Rust colored fluid means damage is already done
- Sludge in the brake system is a sure sign of corrosion & wear
Always keep to scheduled brake changes to prevent damage to brake system. If brake fluid looks questionable, replace it.
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By the time you see rusty fluid dripping out from under the brake pump on the rear brake, the damage is already done.
Most of the time, a complete pump replacement is required as rust, metal particles, and rubber particles all would have travelled up into the pump body and caused excessive wear from friction.
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External corrosion can creep inside given time.
If possible, remove and check parts for damage from corrosion during servicing.
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RUST ON EXTERNAL BRAKE PARTS
Depicted bleed nipples are prime example, though small and infrequently used, the small thin walls of these parts can be easily sheared off if corroded.
Removal may be difficult when rusted part oxide binds to aluminum on pump or caliper. Why risk a caliper costing in the hundreds of dollars for a small cheap part?
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| Left to corrode in caliper, oxides formed may bind to aluminum on the caliper threads. Stripping caliper threads when force is applied during removal. |
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Brake fluid in brake systems perform a host of jobs, while resisting compression and boiling at high temperature to transmit brake pressure consistently, it must also:
- Lubricate moving parts internally to reduce wear and stiction
- Anti corrosion properties to preserve and extend brake fluid service
- Be of the correct viscosity over a range of termperatures
- Anti foaming properties to prevent brake fade
Brakes are one of the most robust parts in your vehicle needing little attention over a relatively long service interval. Changing the brake fluid and cleaning the calipers during scheduled servicing are good practices to ensure you get the best brake performance.
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STAR Performance brake hoses can help in keeping your brake fluid cleaner whist also giving the added performance edge. Go to our shop to find a set for your vehicle.
Stainless & titanium hardware are available from us, go to our Hardware section in the shop to find them for your vehicle. |
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