Brake fluid change on '12

[gbpot]

Just bought a '12gs. Beautifull, I'm in love again

Now although it's been exceptionally well looked after, and only 4k miles, as a matter of course, I'm going to change the fluids............Then I know (sort of thing).

The owner handbook and Haynes manual both say I can't change the brake fluid without a BMW diagnostic tool, due to the fact that the bike has ABS.

So the question is: Can I change the brake fluid. ?
I would have thought I'd be able to do it with access to the ABS unit?
Thanks
Gavin

 

[parabiker]

Just bought a '12gs. Beautifull, I'm in love again

Now although it's been exceptionally well looked after, and only 4k miles, as a matter of course, I'm going to change the fluids............Then I know (sort of thing).

The owner handbook and Haynes manual both say I can't change the brake fluid without a BMW diagnostic tool, due to the fact that the bike has ABS.

So the question is: Can I change the brake fluid. ?
I would have thought I'd be able to do it with access to the ABS unit?
Thanks
Gavin

Only you know the answer to that. Can you?

PB

 

[gbpot]

Only you know the answer to that. Can you?

PB

I meant, is there something about a bike with ABS that makes it 'only a BMW mechanic with the tools can do'? But I think you knew that.
Ta

 

[skywalker]

Depends on what ABS system it has.
If its the servo one (the one that makes a noise when you put the brakes on)
& you're not mechanically minded -leave well alone !!
Other system a doddle.
Come to think of it - if your not mechanically minded - leave the whole bike alone

 

[ianran]

Why do people think someone is not mechanically minded just because they ask for advice??

There are several videos on youtube showing how this can be done, I was told on non servo ABS systems, its a case of emptying the reservoir of old fluid, in with the new and bleeding through the system.

When you said all the fluids, be aware that the GS clutch does not use standard brake fluids!!!!

 

[forest biker]

I meant, is there something about a bike with ABS that makes it 'only a BMW mechanic with the tools can do'? But I think you knew that.
Ta

Its not to difficult gbpot , theres been a few treads on here regarding this and as ianran said above some good vids on youtube , i find its easier to do with someone helping just to keep the fluid running nice and steady , and if your not to sure whether you want to tackle it yourself , a good independant only charges around £90ish to complete the work

 

[jim123]

Try this link
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/service_abs3.pdf

 

[gbpot]

Why do people think someone is not mechanically minded just because they ask for advice??

There are several videos on youtube showing how this can be done, I was told on non servo ABS systems, its a case of emptying the reservoir of old fluid, in with the new and bleeding through the system.

When you said all the fluids, be aware that the GS clutch does not use standard brake fluids!!!!

Thanks Ianran,
I'm not bad with the mech bits, I normally do all my servicing, I only asked because I noticed two sources saying "don't" unless you have the specialist tool. thought perhaps there was summat that I could'nt think of.
Gavin

 

[gbpot]

Its not to difficult gbpot , theres been a few treads on here regarding this and as ianran said above some good vids on youtube , i find its easier to do with someone helping just to keep the fluid running nice and steady , and if your not to sure whether you want to tackle it yourself , a good independant only charges around £90ish to complete the work

Try this link
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/service_abs3.pdf

Thanks Guys
It's not the cash, if I was in a hurry, I'd book the bike in and get it done. I enjoy doing this stuff, it's satisfying knowing it's done.
Useful link Jim.
Ta
Gavin

 

[Steptoe]

Depends on what ABS system it has.

Why do people think someone is not mechanically minded just because they ask for advice??

Because the advise given is dependant on skywalkers question being answered correctly. Not plunging blindly onto utube and use the wrong procedure for the system on your bike.

 

[Beemerman59]

Did mine yesterday.....non-servo with ABS. Took 15 minutes or so and no special tools. I used a length of telephone wire to hook around the "pins" that hold the fluid reservoir cap on which was the only thing my manual states requires anything special. Other than that it was very straightforward. I did bleed the top MC first and then from the calipers.

 

[ianran]

Because the advise given is dependant on skywalkers question being answered correctly. Not plunging blindly onto utube and use the wrong procedure for the system on your bike.[/QUOTE

Plunging wildly onto utube?? Good god


PS, its youtube, so perhaps you've been on the wrong site and are right to be worried

 

[gbpot]

Because the advise given is dependant on skywalkers question being answered correctly. Not plunging blindly onto utube and use the wrong procedure for the system on your bike.

It's an '05 with servo/ABS. Absolutely understand the need for the question. That's why I'm checking with those who know.

Any advice is always gratefully received. We're always learning. And nothing worse for a skilled man than having some twit ask him to sort a bodge.

 

[Steptoe]

It's an '05 with servo/ABS. .

Then your's isn't the normal brake bleeding procedure as used over the years on cars and bikes the world over - you have to remove the tank, and fill the modulaters when you bleed the calipers.

Rest of the procedure is on the internet under servo brakes.

 

[gbpot]

Then your's isn't the normal brake bleeding procedure as used over the years on cars and bikes the world over - you have to remove the tank, and fill the modulaters when you bleed the calipers.

Rest of the procedure is on the internet under servo brakes.

Thanks again.