Clutch fluid turning really dark

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Stw

Stw

Former Staff
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Aug 8, 2012
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Does everyone have this issue?? If so is there a cause/solution???
 
This happened to mine, both clutch and brake fluid after about 400 miles. It was after I put new caps on the resevoirs also, so I don't know whether moisture got in some how. The brakes and clutch felt "mushy" as well. I had the lines bled and replaced with new fluid about 500 miles ago and everything is still okay.
 
Ok guys, come on STW. The color change is the break down of the DOT4 from heat and UV exposure. You can get solid res to help, or use a res sock like I do and change your fluid regularly. You can't do much for the heat.
 
TransNone13 said:
Ok guys, come on STW. The color change is the break down of the DOT4 from heat and UV exposure. You can get solid res to help, or use a res sock like I do and change your fluid regularly. You can't do much for the heat.
Click to expand...

Heat? What heat?
 
TransNone13 said:
Ok guys, come on STW. The color change is the break down of the DOT4 from heat and UV exposure. You can get solid res to help, or use a res sock like I do and change your fluid regularly. You can't do much for the heat.
Click to expand...

Seems a little accelerated for it to break down after 400 miles or 2 months. The fluid also breaks down if moisture from the air contaminates it.
 
bronch said:
Seems a little accelerated for it to break down after 400 miles or 2 months. The fluid also breaks down if moisture from the air contaminates it.
Click to expand...

I've flushed my system 4 times (10,000 miles+), it happens every time. Sometimes it takes longer than others. Water makes it milky, more than it does dark.
 
TransNone13 said:
Ok guys, come on STW. The color change is the break down of the DOT4 from heat and UV exposure. You can get solid res to help, or use a res sock like I do and change your fluid regularly. You can't do much for the heat.
Click to expand...

No socks are going on my bike any time soon...
 
My fluid, brake and clutch both changed colour after my first track day on the Pani. I live in QLD Australia which is often very hot and humid so I think it was a combination of both extreme temps at the track and the UV and humidity!

Change your fluids often, it's a good habit to get into plus cheap and easy to do at home and only takes 45 min if you do it on your own.
 
Every bike I've owned had clear reservoirs and none of 'em turned black like they do on the 1199. Also I tend to get a little bit of air in the system every 5000 miles. Gotta be the heat! They're both easy to bleed and easy to flush, though.
 
AntiHero said:
Every bike I've owned had clear reservoirs and none of 'em turned black like they do on the 1199. Also I tend to get a little bit of air in the system every 5000 miles. Gotta be the heat! They're both easy to bleed and easy to flush, though.
Click to expand...


I agree... I have had many bikes... never had this issue before.... Heat seems like the obvious culprit...
 
Definitely the heat. I noticed my rear brake fluid was dark in about 3 days of riding, while the front brake was still fresh looking. The clutch fluid, color wise, was right in between the two.

The rear brake is right next to the motor, the clutch lines run down the motor, and the front brake doesnt get much heat because the lines dont run along the motor.
 
My rear brake fluid is pitch black even if I never use it. Clutch is worse than front brake, so go figure.

I change annually and from past experience I can say that the expensive stuff gets dark as fast as the cheaper kind
 
My clutch and brake fluid is still clear. I've always used clear reservoirs I think UV is a myth. I believe moisture is getting into the system for those who fluids is turning black. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and the air combined with the heat in your system is probably creating the moisture which turns the fluid black. Unfortunately a certain amount of air has to be in your clutch/brake system to push the fluids. I always ensure the rubber grommets on the tanks is pushed down all the way when filling the tanks to limit the amount of air in the tanks before i tighten the lids. IMHO I doubt heat from the engine or exhaust alone is turning the fluid black. DOT 4 has a very high boiling point where the fluids will starts to brake down. I think there is more heat transfer to the fluids from the brake pads/rotors alone than the engine or exhaust produce. I think if you limit the amount of air will reduce the moisture.

And as Trauma would say heat? What heat?
 
I don't agree with the water theory. It would look milky, not black. :/ The rear brake gets black pretty quick, makes sense. Both the clutch and rear brake are exposed to more heat than the front brake system.

And heat issue trolls, STFU.
 
Surely if UV was an issue , by now makers would
Have reservoirs that were UV resistant
 
Has anyone tried 5.1 and found this to be better and more resistant to colour change??
 
Last edited:
I haven't and wouldn't, it's banned in most club racing organizations and tracks. (At least where I've been.)
 

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