Periodic Maintenance

Brake Fluid Change

~2min read

NOTE

The procedure to change the front brake fluid is as follows.

Changing the rear brake fluid is the same as for the front brake.

Brake Fluid Change

Level the brake fluid reservoir.

  • Remove: Screw [A] Stopper [B] Front Brake Reservoir Cap [C] Diaphragm Plate Diaphragm
Brake Fluid Change

  • Remove the rubber cap [A] from the bleed valve on the caliper.
  • Attach a clear plastic hose [B] to the bleed valve, and run the other end of the hose into a container.
  • Fill the reservoir with fresh specified brake fluid.
Brake Fluid Change

  • Change the brake fluid.

Repeat this operation until fresh brake fluid comes out from the plastic hose or the color of the fluid changes.

1. Open the bleed valve [A].

2. Apply the brake and hold it [B].

3. Close the bleed valve [C].

4. Release the brake [D].

NOTE

  • The fluid level must be checked often during the changing operation and replenished with fresh brake fluid. If the fluid in the reservoir runs out any time during the changing operation, the brakes will need to be bled since air will have entered the brake line.
  • Front Brake: Repeat the above steps for the other caliper.

Remove the clear plastic hose.

Install the diaphragm and reservoir cap.

Follow the procedure below to install the front/rear brake fluid reservoir cap correctly.

  • First, tighten the front/rear brake fluid reservoir cap [B] clockwise [C] by hand until slight resistance is felt indicating that the cap is seated on the reservoir body, then tighten the cap an additional 1/6 turn [D] while holding the brake fluid reservoir body [A].
Brake Fluid Change

  • Install the stopper on the reservoir.
  • Tighten:

Torque - Front Brake Reservoir Cap Stopper Screw: 1.2 NВ·m (0.12 kgfВ·m, 11 inВ·lb)

  • Tighten the bleed valve, and install the rubber cap.

Torque - Bleed Valves: 7.8 NВ·m (0.80 kgfВ·m, 69 inВ·lb)

  • After changing the fluid, check the brake for good braking power, no brake drag, and no fluid leakage.

If necessary, bleed the air from the lines.

Test yourself

A quick Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.