Have you had any issues with your 2024 Spyder's Brake fluid?

[lmadsen]

Important message for those of you that may own a 2024 RT Limited. I just returned from my yearly oil service on my 2024 Limited, but while I was there, my technician discovered that my brake fluid was totally black and needed to be flushed or it definitely could cause major problems. That being said my Spyder is obviously 2 years old and has 8300 miles.

After a long discussion with the technician, who happens to be Shawn Smoak, who is one or the best, if not the best Spyder technician, he felt that for what ever reason, it is BRP that is at fault. Probably used a poor grade or contaminated brake fluid at the factory. He certainly didn't feel it had anything to do with me as the owner.

If anyone out there has a 2024 Spyder and have not had your brake fluid checked, I would do so soon. It was costly to have this done and of course, it's not under warranty. Because it looks like faulty material, Shawn encouraged me to contact BRP customer service. There may be others who have had the same issue, so there could be a bulletin put out that would help pay for this problem. Shawn said he is pretty certain I am not the only one with this problem. As Spyder owners, let's find out if BRP could be at fault. Thanks, I would like to hear back from all of you.

PS. If you have not heard of Shawn Smoak he has a website that is absolutely fantastic. It is shawnsmoak.com

 

[Flier Tuck]

Many years, ago when I had a Rocket 3, I managed to get on a works visit to the new Triumph factory at Meriden. When we were getting near the end of the production line we came to the brake bleeding area. This consisted of fitting tubes to the open caliper nipples and a brake fluid pressure system attached to the master cylinder reservoir. The tap was opened on the pressure side, and the system ran for only a few seconds when the nipples were locked up and the pressure released. After someone asked the question, it was confirmed that the same fluid went round and round, bike after bike, all day every day until a system warning said that the fluid was too contaminated, then it was changed. I assume a similar system is used by all bike and auto manufacturers.
So @Imadsen, it is possible that your bike could have been at the end of a long production run.

 

[bikerchris1270]

Did he check the fluid with a brake fluid tester, which tests for the amount of water absorbed by the brake fluid? Dot 3&4 brake fluids are Hydroscopic, meaning they absorb water. I’m thinking the proximity of the brake fluid reservoir to engine heat causes the fluid to expand and contract when cooling, making it easier/more likely to draw atmosphere humidity into the vented reservoir. But yes, that is why the maintenance schedule recommends every 2 years, and cycling the ABS pump while doing so. My perspective…

 

[Poppie65]

FWIW, I just performed the first brake flush on our 2023 RT and was impressed by how dark the fluid was. We have about 13K miles it, from a large variety driving conditions.

 

[prokrypt]

Just did a partial flush on my 2023 RTL today (10,443 miles). Reservoir: super dark. Front calipers: kinda dark. Rear caliper: looked pretty good (compared to the fronts, at least). VCM: no clue, didn't want to go digging around in there.

Photo: left jar is reservoir+fronts, right bottle is rear.


I'm experimenting with some 3d printing to prevent water from going into the vent holes of the reservoir cap. Still fighting with my new 3d printer to make it spit out quality prints:

 

[propbuildervash]

Are your caps TPU filament or something else?

 

[prokrypt]

Are your caps TPU filament or something else?

PETG with double-sided 3m acrylic tape. I'm still recovering from the shame of 3 failed TPU prints...

 

[JayBros]

Dot 3&4 brake fluids are Hydroscopic, meaning they absorb water.

Hygroscopic substances are materials, typically solids or liquids, that attract and absorb water molecules directly from the surrounding atmosphere.

 

[propbuildervash]

PETG with double-sided 3m acrylic tape. I'm still recovering from the shame of 3 failed TPU prints...

TPU is not fun to print, I have great results with petg. And moderate success with ASA.

 

[rbolt809]

Smoak has some updated videos. After working on lmadsen's spyder in March , he has since then perform several other brake flushes on spyder rt's that were due their 2year brake fluid flush and discover each one had the same issue.... dark brake fluid in reservoir with over 4% water content which can be catastrophic when braking. He has also discoverd that none of the F3s have this issue.The rubber boot inside reservoir is half filled with water.The fluid that he bleeds from the left front caliper is normal that you would find in 2year old fluid...somewhat clear. His therory now is that water is coming in from between the right top/side panels just above the brake fluid reservoir. This could be from riding in the rain , washing or both. Their are 2 nice size vent holes on top cover on reservoir which is alowing water to fill the rubber boot inside of reservoir. Smoak has the BRP's ears and are working the issue. Smoak is suggesting if you are washing your spyder that you put a plastic bag over the reservoir ,then remove once you finish washing. Im sure Smoak will be updating his videos as more information from BRP come available.

 

[Poppie65]

Smoak has some updated videos. After working on lmadsen's spyder in March , he has since then perform several other brake flushes on spyder rt's that were due their 2year brake fluid flush and discover each one had the same issue.... dark brake fluid in reservoir with over 4% water content which can be catastrophic when braking. He has also discoverd that none of the F3s have this issue.The rubber boot inside reservoir is half filled with water.The fluid that he bleeds from the left front caliper is normal that you would find in 2year old fluid...somewhat clear. His therory now is that water is coming in from between the right top/side panels just above the brake fluid reservoir. This could be from riding in the rain , washing or both. Their are 2 nice size vent holes on top cover on reservoir which is alowing water to fill the rubber boot inside of reservoir. Smoak has the BRP's ears and are working the issue. Smoak is suggesting if you are washing your spyder that you put a plastic bag over the reservoir ,then remove once you finish washing. Im sure Smoak will be updating his videos as more information from BRP come available.

Awesome update, thank you!

 

[RealWing]

My reservoir fluid was also very dark at the 2 year flush. Did not know about the vent holes in the cover that will let water enter and sit on top of the seal. Seems like a permanent rain deflection shield is needed over the cover.