Changing the Brake Fluid on the CE 04

My CE 04 is ready for its first ‘standard scope’ service in my ownership, and the only significant requirement beyond safety checks and lubricating various levers, and as it is 24 months since the last service, is “change brake fluid, entire system”. Basically this means pumping fresh Dot 4 brake fluid through the lines to flush out the old. Standard practice, since brake fluid is hygroscopic,absorbing water from the atmosphere. Once it takes on significant amounts of water, internal corrosion sets in.

I could do this myself and have done so on other bikes, but the thing that is putting me off is that apparently if you accidentally get air into the system (not usually an insurmountable problem in itself) you have to reset the ABS using a diagnostic tool – Hex GS-911 or similar.

Since these cost around £230gbp – probably pushing $300usd – it rather mitigates against the DIY approach… you might as well get on and have the dealership do it!

Has anyone done this job themselves? Any issues, or was it straightforward?

I've done this numerous times on 3 BMW bikes (C650, F800 and K1600) without any issues. Just make sure the reservoir doesn't go empty while you are pumping the new fluid through.

I've also done this on plenty other ABS equipped scooters and cars without any problems.

I recommend getting the Motoscan app (professional version) so that if you run into any issues with the bike you can diagnose things, reset service reminders and so on. It has a feature to bleed the ABS pump but I've never used that so far. Much cheaper than GS911 and just as capable.

Worth mentioning the Motoscan app is Android only. There are other apps out there for iOS, but hard to ascertain whether they have the same functionality…

korinthias said:

Worth mentioning the Motoscan app is Android only.

Click to expand...

True. But an Android phone that will run it can probably be had for less than $50...