Changing brake fluid every two years-ABS brakes

[road-dawgs1]

OK, it's suggested that you change your brake fluid every two years.  I have ABS on my 08 and have had it for two years now.  Going by the manual, it states about having to use the DT at the dealer if you are bleeding ABS brakes, etc. etc. when a line is removed or the ABS module.  I'm not removing either, I just want the fluid changed.  Anyone changed out their brake fluid on one of the ABS bikes and didn't have to bring it to the dealer for the digital tech?

[HIPPO]

Don't know about this system specifically, but on many car systems the need for the DT equivalent arises because some of the valves have to be held open for proper bleeding.

The need to replace the brake fluid is probably more because of the DOT4 spec then the ABS as it is hygroscopic.

At least that's the way it used to be.

[harleyjt]

Without the DT you would only be able to bleed a portion of the system - from the m/cyl to the calipers basically.  With the DT, the valves are opened and the ABS pump is energized (if there is a pump on the HD system - I haven't looked) and the fluid flows through the entire system allowing for a total fluid change.  Many if not most current cars with ABS are that way now as well. Takes the dealer's scan tool to do the job properly.   My 08 will be ready for a fluid flush in the spring.   I'm just going to let the dealer do it, and if any of the paint gets screwed up in the process, it's his baby.  I can't believe they would charge any more than an hour of labor, but I'm just guessing. 
jt

[FSG]

Item:  Bleed brake caliper â€" front (one or two calipers) or rear caliper

Description: ABS vehicles only - includes bleeding and verifying system function with Digital Technician II

Time:  0.6Hr

[harleyjt]

Item:  Bleed brake caliper â€" front (one or two calipers) or rear caliper

Description: ABS vehicles only - includes bleeding and verifying system function with Digital Technician II

Time:  0.6Hr

Thanks FSG.  So at retail, my guess is most dealers will probably hit you for 1.2 hr to 1.5 hr plus a bottle of DOT4 for complete system - front and rear.  Still, not a bad deal.
jt

[Coyote]

I've never seen the HD system but on my BMW, they also say you must use the diagnostic system to do the bleed. I've seen them bled with and without the computer. Both ways work fine. As far as I can tell, the computer is only needed to check the brake system for air after bleeding. I can't see why you couldn't bleed them without the DT but I guess I could be missing something. The fact they are designed to pass through in the event of a system failure should allow bleeding all the way through I'd think.

[road-dawgs1]

Eh, I guess it's not worth messing with then.  I'll just bring it in when I wake the bike back up after hibernation (and for the southerners, I don't want to hear it )