Brake fluid..... DOT 5 OR DOT 4

[Demkay]

Hey guys, I just changed my brake line the other day whilst changing out the bars. It was the only line I could change without the Service Manual. Anyhow, I put in this brake fluid that says number 4. Haven't had too many problems. But I just read another post where it was stipulated DOT 5. A friend told me at the time something about DOT 5, but said something about noone selling it here. I just called like 8 places and every single one said they don't stock it, and if I want it I gotta order it in from the mainland, Madrid. Question is, ........ is it that much of a big deal? Brakes seem pretty important to me, but they all just say it's a temp thing. Thanks for any info.

[jimb]

If any of the original fluid is in there, which should be DOT 5 ,it will gum up and cause problems.I've found DOT 5 a lot of places here.If you get some, drop some DOT 5 in a cup with some DOT 4 and watch the reaction.

[Grey Biker]

You didn't say what year your Bike is, However D.O.T. #4 should be the correct fluid. D.O.T.#5 is a Synthetic fluid that is no longer used by Harley.

[richmac64]

I have a 2006 Softail service manual and it says fill with D.O.T. 4 brake fluid.

[flst06]

I found it odd when I picked up the new ride that HD is no longer using DOT 5. The one thing I like about DOT 5 as opposed to DOT 4 is that DOT 5 in not as corrosive, i.e., it won't eat paint.

Don

[Unibomber]

For my '05 its Dot 5 only, wish they woulda changed it for me, seeing a quart of that crap was like $25.

[Demkay]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll stick with the #4. It's a '07 Fatboy.

Also the lines were new and I cleaned out that box thing real good on the bars. Should be ok, think I got most of the #5 out.

Thanks again. ..... really didn't want to do that procedure again, my hand was killin' me after pumping that stupid brake like 400 times to get the pressure.

[zoomie67]

You need to replace it with the type specified in the manual.If switching the entire sytem should be dismantled and cleaned as well as replacing all the rubber components (someone else's advice). At the very least the system should be flushed with denatured alcohol. Get some speed bleeders they'll save you a ton of time, $11.00 for a set.

[fatboylust]

Harley sells DOT 5 Brake Fluid with the following disclaimer: "Fits all models (except '05-later Touring models, '06-later VRSC™, Dyna®, Softail® and '07 Sportster® models).".
And HD sell DOT 4 with this disclaimer: "Fits '05-later Touring and '06-later VRSC™, Dyna® and Softail® and '07 Sportster® models.".

Hope this helps
FBL

[WARG]

Dot 4 in my 06 per the manual. This is in agreement with the post above as well.