Jump to content

Why does my clutch fluid get so much more darker than...


Tonik

Recommended Posts

...my brake fluid?

 

My first thought was because I use the clutch so much more.  But my front brake fluid was darker than the rear...which makes sense I never use the rear...but yet I do...my brakes are linked at about 80/20.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it's mainly a function of how the two systems work.  Disc brakes don't 'retract' very much after you apply the brakes, as the pads stay pretty much in place and just skim the surface of the rotor.  Your clutch, however, retracts fully after you squeeze the lever because the clutch springs are pushing the actuating rod back.  Much greater opportunity to draw dirt and contamination past the seals into the slave cylinder.  Plus, yeah, you shift far more frequently than you brake, compounding the number of times you can introduce shit into the system.  I've got a car with a hydraulic clutch and it's the same kind of thing.  I usually flush, bleed and refresh the brake fluid on my bikes every two years, but I do the clutch reservoir on the car 3-4 times a year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Doesn't the darkness mainly come from hose degradation?

Nope - heat. Either from the engine (clutch) or pad / rotor interaction (brakes).

And dirt and crap that gets in, too.

Edited by Earache
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...