APRILIA SL Mille Workshop Manual page 65

SERVICE AND SETTING UP
2.17 CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL AND TOPPING UP
Carefully read 0.4.1 (PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL
INFORMATIONS) and 1.2.4 (BRAKE FLUID).
Check the brake fluid every 7500 km (4687 mi) or 8
months, change it every two years.
If the brake lever features excessive free play, if it is
excessively spongy or 'in the event of air bubbles in
the circuit, bleed the system, see 2.20 (BLEEDING
THE BRAKING SYSTEMS).
The leak of brake fluid damages painted or plastic
surfaces.
Before setting out, make sure that the hoses are not
twisted or holed and that there are no leakage from
the connectors.
Do not use or mix different types of silicone or oil-
based liquids.
Do not use brake fluids taken from old containers, or
not sealed.
Prevent water or dust from accidentally getting into
the circuit.
CHECK
NOTE
Position the vehicle on firm and flat ground.
• Position the vehicle on the stand.
• Turn the handlebar completely rightwards.
• Make sure that the fluid level exceeds the "MIN" mark.
MIN= minimum level.
MAX= maximum level.
If the fluid does not reach at least the "MIN" mark:
When the disc pads wear out, the level of the fluid de-
creases progressively to compensate for their wear.
• Check the brake pad wear, see 2.27 (CHECKING THE
BRAKE PAD WEAR) and the disc wear.
If the pads and/or the disc do not need replacing, provide
for topping up.
TOPPING UP
The brake fluid may flow out of the tank.
Do not operate the front brake lever if the screws (1)
are loose or, most important, if the brake fluid tank
cover has been removed.
• Unscrew the two screws (1) of the brake reservoir (2)
by means of a short, cross-headed screwdriver.
Avoid any prolonged exposure of the brake fluid to
the air.
The brake fluid' is hygroscopic and when in 'contact
with the air it absorbs its humidity.
Leave the brake fluid tank open ONLY for the time
necessary for topping up.
• Raise and remove the cover (3) together with the
screws (1) and the gasket (4).
NOTE
In order not to spill the brake fluid while topping
up, do not shake the vehicle.
Do not put additives or other subtances into the fluid.
If you use a funnel or other similar items, make sure
that they are perfectly clean.
• Fill the tank (2) with brake fluid, see, until reaching the
correct level between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks.
SL mille
Do not exceed the '.'MAX" level while topping up.
It is advisable to top up until reaching the "MAX" lev-
el only with new pads. When the disc pads wear out,
the level of the fluid decreases progressively to com-
pensate for their wear.
Do not reach the "MAX" level with worn out pads,
since this will cause a fluid outflow when the pads
are changed.
Check the braking efficiency.
• To reassemble the components, follow the reverse or-
der.
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28-
00 Release 00/2001-05