Brake reservoir sponge

[Mac One]

Apologies if it's been asked before, I've got a 2011 TC Adventure and there's a sponge screen in the front brake reservoir to stop air bubbles
forming in the fluid. Has anyone run their bike without this and if so did it make any difference. ( maybe everyone who tried it's dead)

 

[SteveM]

Junk it, it's not needed. Have run mine (exactly the same model / year) for years without one and all is fine.

 

[Hoff]

+1 for no sponge

 

[cjw]

+1 for no sponge

My 2012 Twin Cam did ( I say because its now sold) 36000 miles without one without any problems so I guess its not really needed

 

[JimmyMac]

Hi Mac, there was an issue with pre 2012 K1300's that caused BMW to issue a recall on bikes because they said the bikes front brake fluid could "foam" under certain riding conditions, due to excess vibration. Their recall was just to fit a sponge in the reservoir.

I've never actually met anyone who encountered the problem on any bike but as I do my own servicing and am a bit particular as far as servicing schedules go (ex-RAF Aircraft Tech). I always replace mine every two years along with the fluid. 2010 TC GSA.

JimmyMac

 

[Mac One]

Thanks all, for taking the time to reply, i appreciate your feedback.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Hi Mac, there was an issue with pre 2012 K1300's that caused BMW to issue a recall on bikes because they said the bikes front brake fluid could "foam" under certain riding conditions, due to excess vibration. Their recall was just to fit a sponge in the reservoir.

I've never actually met anyone who encountered the problem on any bike but as I do my own servicing and am a bit particular as far as servicing schedules go (ex-RAF Aircraft Tech). I always replace mine every two years along with the fluid. 2010 TC GSA.

JimmyMac

You replace the sponge every two years?

 

[Steptoe]

You replace the sponge every two years?

Ahh, you see, BMW introduced a new problem when trying to rectify an almost non existant problem.

 

[JimmyMac]

You replace the sponge every two years?

Aye Angus, I know its a bit OTT but thats what is recommended so thats what I do. Never took shortcuts on planes so don't on my bikes. Other than being anal on things being done right, I am a great laugh.......honest.

JimmyMac

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Aye Angus, I know its a bit OTT but thats what is recommended so thats what I do. Never took shortcuts on planes so don't on my bikes. Other than being anal on things being done right, I am a great laugh.......honest.

JimmyMac

Hey. If it brings you pleasure, who am I to comment.

 

[Bendy toy]

The rubber bellows above the fluid is there to reduce the dead air space and the moisture contained by that air. A non hygroscopic fluid would solve the problem.

 

[jratthews]

My 2012 GS did not have a sponge fitted from new as BMW must have considered it unnecessary. I understand that leaving the sponge in too long can cause more problems by it disintegrating and leaving debris in the fluid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AberdeenAngus]

My 2012 GS did not have a sponge fitted from new as BMW must have considered it unnecessary. I understand that leaving the sponge in too long can cause more problems by it disintegrating and leaving debris in the fluid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah. Hence the 2 yearly replacement..

 

[Steptoe]

Ahh, you see, BMW introduced a new problem when trying to rectify an almost non existant problem.

My 2012 GS did not have a sponge fitted from new as BMW must have considered it unnecessary. I understand that leaving the sponge in too long can cause more problems by it disintegrating and leaving debris in the fluid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hence my reply above ..

 

[Bryn]

Ahh, you see, BMW introduced a new problem when trying to rectify an almost non existant problem.

listen to Uncle Neil and dump the sponge

 

[Bendy toy]

Aye Angus, I know its a bit OTT but thats what is recommended so thats what I do. Never took shortcuts on planes so don't on my bikes. Other than being anal on things being done right, I am a great laugh.......honest.

JimmyMac

However with BMW its best to find out why they actually recommend something. Foam in brake fluid reservoirs is solving a non existent problem. Reducing oil level in final drive gearboxes is creating a problem. Take you pick.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Think my bike has one and bro-in-law's doesn't. Either that or the other way round.

But, anyway, one bike has ABS and the other doesn't.

I recall asking about why some bikes do and some bikes don't at my local dealership and was told it was all related to wheher or not your bike has ABS.

I'm not qualified to have an opinion, but it's probably all another BMW load of pish!

 

[Mac One]

Think my bike has one and bro-in-law's doesn't. Either that or the other way round.

But, anyway, one bike has ABS and the other doesn't.

I recall asking about why some bikes do and some bikes don't at my local dealership and was told it was all related to wheher or not your bike has ABS.

I'm not qualified to have an opinion, but it's probably all another BMW load of pish!

My bike's a 2011 twin cam adventure, non abs, and has the sponge insert. The bike was dealer serviced for the first two years and it was replaced once and I've replaced it twice after fluid changes but in the light of the feedback I've had from this thread, I won't be replacing it next time.

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine (2008) has ABS and has never had a sponge to clog up the fluid reservoir.