Kubota RTV 900 Brake overhaul every 2 years?

[gsw911]

Morning,
I have searched the forum for information regarding Kubota's recommendation to overhaul the complete brake system every 2 years.
It seems no one has addressed this issue before.
From my perspective the inboard wet brake system seems like such a great thing....until I read the service recommendation for brake seal replacement EVERY two years....yikes!
Here is what they say in the manual:
34 Brake master cylinder inner parts Replace ✩ 4-S15
35 Brake fluid Change ✩ 4-S536
37 Rear brake cylinder seal Replace ✩ 4-S19
38 Front brake seal Replace ✩ 4-S13
It seems this is a 3 to 4 hour job in that both front hubs have to be removed and disassembled...what $400 to $500 at the dealer?
I couldn't find a disclaimer such as "If carrying or towing heavy loads are common"
If anyone has some insight into this I would appreciate it.
Thanks, George

 

[3930dave]

I'm not an xTV guy, so my first thought was "If the seals aren't leaking, what's the big deal ?".....

Thinking a little more about xTVs, next thing to mind is water contamination..... that might be it.....

If there is no drain/fill mechanism on the hub, the factory procedure is a foolproof way to ensure that water comes out, fresh oil goes in, and the seal is renewed.

If it was mine, I'd be doing the research you are, and adjust my interval based on loads towed and if/how often I did water crossings.

Rgds, D.

 

[gsw911]

Hey D.
Thanks for the input.
The hub is completely sealed and does have a oil drain and fill plug.
I guess the first sign of a problem would be a loss of brake fluid in the master cylinder.
Can't help think this is a dealer service perk from Kubota.

 

[ultrarunner]

Good Point... I know of at least one older unit that has been trouble free and original brakes.

A feature of the Hydro in these older units is excellent stopping ability through the Hydro... some would say it is too effective!

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a 2009 RTV 900 and have never serviced the brakes and everything still works perfectly. Don't plan to do anything to it either as long as they work.

 

[JRobyn]

Since UTVs frequently get a lot of mud and water exposure, I can understand a factory recommendation for frequent rebuilds for any components that actually do get exposed. Especially since a brake system failure would most likely result in instant lawsuits. Manufacturer CYA. And a frequent brake fluid flush/change is just a good idea for these since the fluid is hygroscopic. Other than fluid change, the master cylinder should only need attention if it is mounted where it frequently gets mud or water exposure. On my Polaris, they mounted it way up high, I guess to help keep it away from adverse conditions.

 

[gsw911]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the input..
to JRobyn...The master cylinder is up high enough to be out of the muck.
I would expect the brake system, if flushed every couple of years, to go 15 years quite easily.
The problem comes if the front brake cylinders leak into the hub where the oil is located.
If enough brake fluid is forced into the hub I suppose the oil seals could fail.
I'll take my chances.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have a 2009 RTV 900 and have never serviced the brakes and everything still works perfectly. Don't plan to do anything to it either as long as they work.

2010 or 11 RTV1140 and never serviced, checked or considered doing anything to the brakes. Hardly ever use them since it stops when the throttle is released. Release quick and you'll go thru windshield or slower will stop slower, can be feathered to a gradual stop. I put the hand brake on when I stop and turn it off. Guess I have a foot brake but not sure.