I am trying to bleed my brakes, and I need to add fluid. My fluid is yellow, while the fluid already in the master cylinder/caliper is reddish.Does it matter if it is yellow? (The brake fluid is about 15 months old, and has been open for the same time. It is 'P' yellow)Is it yellow because it is a different brand, or does brake fluid change colors after it has come into contact with oxygen?It is DOT 4.
As long as it is the proper DOT rating for your application (DOT 4 is correct for most motorcycles), you'll be ok. Brake fluid does change color slightly overtime. Generally, brake fluid is clear/yellowish but a lot of companies are now putting a dye into their fluid so when you do a fluid flush, there is a visual indicator to show when all the fluid has been replaced. *EDIT* I just re-read your post. DO NOT use brake fluid if it is old or has been open for a long time. It will absorb moisture and you don't want that in your brake system, especially on a motorcycle. Go to the store and get a new bottle of DOT 4.
as stated before as long as your using the correct dot approved fluid it will work, ive seen brake fluid that is black because of age, and flushed it with clear stuff, then added a blue UV dye to it so checkin for leaks is easier down the road. use dot 4 but the brand is 100% up to you. i personaly run pyroil
brake fluid absorbes moisture so do not use it if the container has been open do not mix types as is dot 3 dot dot4 or dot5 i always change mine at the begining of every season its cheap to do there are many different tints and colors there is some dot 5 that is purple just make sure you use all the same brand and rating use what is on the res. cap
Uncle Jed is the guy! they're as he reported, honestly! different formulations received't play effective with Dot 3-4 do no longer use them!! keep in concepts Brake fluid is hydroscopic which ability it sucks up moisture from the ambience like a sponge. replace your fluid a minimum of once a 12 months on the initiating of using season. in no way use fluid from an open can. keep faraway from chlorine!! All Hail Uncle Jed with a thumbs up!!
New brake fluid is CLEAR. Not yellow, not yellow-ish, and definitely not red. It's a good thing you're changing it. Moisture is the enemy of brake fluid, and you should only use a FRESH, unopened bottle every time. An opened bottle will attract moisture, even with the cap on, and brake fluid turns yellow when it's going south. Get some new fluid. Also keep in mind that DOT 4 and DOT 5 are NOT interchangeable. DOT 5 is pure silicon fluid, and will not work in a brake system designed for DOT 3 or 4.
