Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Changed my brake (and clutch fluid)

[ben998]

Change mr brake and clutch fluid the other night... DO IT NOW
Its made a huge difference to the feeling I get from the brakes and the stopping power. They were ok before, but I think that because they go off so slowly over a period of time, you don't really notice it. For the cost of the brake fluid, its got to be a worthwhile thing to do.

cheers,
Ben
ps - even got some life in the rear brake as well ..

[DJ Tera]

Getting a radial master cylinder next week so will have to bleed the brakes again, I do it twice a year to maintain brake lever feel, people have mentioned how firm it is

[antonye]

How easy is it to bleed the clutch fluid, as I've never done it before?

I've got one of those natty valve things, so bleeding brakes is very easy.

Any tips?

[ben998]

I used the same technique as the brakes - seems to work ok. I remove the entire nose cone as its quicker than removing the screen, and gives you more space.
I just undid the bleed nipple on the clutch cylinder, and pumped the fluid through using the clutch lever, taking care not to let the level drop too low so that air didn't get sucked in. Did it until it was running clear at the clutch nipple end, and hey presto, everything seems fine. Ive done about 200 miles since changing the fluid and it still looks clear.

[neil748r]

If your master cylinders don't have a bleed nipple on them (some do, some don't) then replace the banjo bolt that connects the hose to the master cylinder with a banjo bolt which incorporates a bleed nipple. So, bleed as normal and then do the same again but bleeding from the mastercylinder end. You would be amazed at how much air can get trapped at the top of the system, vitually impossible to remove otherwise. Banjo/bleed nipples are only about 5 or 6 quid and worth every penny!

Neil.