I bough a used bike and after learning all the various necessary checks, realized that the dealer left the brake fluid at the low fill lines. I want to top up and got the recommended fluid for my Triumph Speedmaster (DOT 4). But I have no idea what brand is in there. I have to assume it is also the recommended DOT 4. Would it be safe to top up? Also, are you supposed to discard what‘s left in the bottle after a top-up?
yes the airbags are more like helper springs than the actual suspension unless you have a little car then the airbag will handle the suspensoin duties
Uncle Jed is the person! They're as he stated, obviously! Other formulations is not going to play first-rate with Dot 3-four do not use them!! Remember Brake fluid is hydroscopic which means it sucks up moisture from the atmosphere like a sponge. Exchange your fluid as a minimum once a year at the of using season. On no account use fluid from an open can. Keep away from chlorine!! All Hail Uncle Jed with a thumbs up!!
Always use the recommended fluid. It will be marked on the cap of the reservoir. Different brands is not an issue, has never caused me a problem with car, truck, or motorcycle. Just use a sealed bottle, not an open partial. Brake fluid tends to absorb water - which you do NOT want in your lines. Discard, or dispose. Or, if the bottle is an appropriate size, you could do a full change with minimal leftovers. Now, a side-thought. Dealer.dealers should be making sure everything is in spec before sending it out the door. Just make sure you're checking it right before you go spending and working. If the bars or the controls have been moved, the level lines on the front reservoir will have moved as well (common on used bikes). Another thing that will show low level is pad wear. It is possible that the pads are worn, yet still sufficient. If this is the case, any fluid added will be excess when you change pads.
As stated before, use an unopened bottle of DOT 4 when you top up the reservoirs. Just make sure that you know the proper method of checking the fluid levels. DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are both alcohol based fluids. These types tend to absorb water because of the alcohol base. DOT 5 is silicone based. Does not absorb water like 3 or 4. It does have a lower boiling point than 3 or 4 do. NOW, never drain type 3 or 4 to fill with 5, or drain 5 to fill with 3 or 4. If you do this the different fluid bases will cause your seals to deteriorate at a very fast rate and you will have no brakes. Bad thing to do if you want to keep living. Use only what the manufacturer recommends. Also, the two types are not mixable whatsoever!
It depends on the vehicle. Many mini-trucks need to have springs to locate the rear axle, so an air bag system may not remove those unless you go with a more expensive four-link conversion. Other kits replace the springs entirely.
