BMW Luxury Touring Community banner

Does Old Brake Fluid Smell?

4.1K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  early1  
#1 ·
Can you smell the age of brake fluid or determine the condition of the brake fluid by looking? I believe the fluid was replaced one year ago; I found a receipt on the new "used" bike that stated as such, but the shop is out of business so I can't verify it. The fluid looks and smells good currently, but I'm not expecting it too smell like heated fluid does over time either. Anyway, I know that I could change the fluid to be sure, but I was curious. Thanks
 
#3 ·
Brake fluid

Jerrod,

New brake fluid is clear. It will change color over time as it picks up moisture and microscopic parts of debris. If the receipt said one year ago, then you should be good for another year.

YMMV
 
#7 ·
In order to get the full flavor of vintage white brake fluid, open the bottle, let it breathe for a while, serve chilled.

When it turns dark, almost red, it must be served at room temperature, and consumed before it ages more.

One can check the progress of brake fluid by comparing it’s color to the clutch fluid.

Surprisingly, brake fluid seems to age rather fast here. Could be because we can ride all year and have higher average temps.

Bob
 
#8 ·
Short answer--yes---

Jerrod Maguire said:
Can you smell the age of brake fluid or determine the condition of the brake fluid by looking? I believe the fluid was replaced one year ago; I found a receipt on the new "used" bike that stated as such, but the shop is out of business so I can't verify it. The fluid looks and smells good currently, but I'm not expecting it too smell like heated fluid does over time either. Anyway, I know that I could change the fluid to be sure, but I was curious. Thanks
---especially if you are really hard on the brakes and you"cook"it, that is you can tell it's time to go, not necessarily its vintage,
BTW, it will also look bad.
I change mine in the bikes frequently.(usually 2X a year)(sbeedBleeder are GReaaaaT.)
In my old racer days ---every race weekend the old stuff went bye-bye.