I needed to add some brake fluid . Caps says dot 5 so i got some .

Dot 5 is a purple color what is in there is a gold color ? I added a drop before i realized this might be messed up . Any thoughts ?

 

well found out that dot 5 is purple in color and dot 4 is a gold ish amber . Well I have dot 4 some how in the bike that the cover says dot 5 ...WTF
Last owner never said anything about it .
Well I only dropped in a drop of the dot 5 in with the dot 4 . I did pump the break then realized something was wrong in the colors so I cleaned out the bowel . Will fill with dot 4 when I get some .

Do you all think a small drop will gum up things ?

 

The colors mean nothing. Purple DOT 5 will turn golden brown over time.

 

my 08 fatboy uses 4.

 

DOT 5 was used until 2005. 2006 and later use DOT 4. As XXX stated DOT 5 will turn amber brown after time.

 

Here's what it says on Harley Davidson web site.............


DOT 5 Brake Fluid


For use in all models (except '06-later VRSC™, '07-later XL, '08-later XR, '06-later Dyna® and Softail®, and '05-later Touring models).

This product is available in multiple variations. Be sure to look for the one that fits the specific model and year of your motorcycle.

99902-77


12-oz. Bottle.



DOT 4 Brake Fluid

For use in '06-later VRSC™, '07-later XL, '08-later XR, '06-later Dyna® and Softail®, and '05-later Touring models.



12-oz. Bottle

99953-99A


MSRP US $7.95

 

Like it has been stated your bike uses DOT5 (assuming your talking about an 04). Hopefully you read these post before you put any DOT4 in your bike. That would not be good to mix those two

 

 

Ramhunter,

I was in the same situation as you a while back on a used bike I picked up. The specs stated DOT 5 but the fluid in the cylinder appeared to be DOT 4. Searched the internet endlessly looking for some kind of method to accurately test and determine what type of fluid was in the bike. Found nothing helpful except several articles stating that DOT 5, Depending on Manufacturer, will sometimes change color over time.

I finally decided to remove, and disassemble the entire brake system, Master Cylinder, Lines, and Caliper. I flushed and cleaned everything using brake cleaner, compressed air, paper towels and even Q-Tips. Re-assembled the system and filled with the proper DOT 5 fluid. Haven't had any problems.

This was a several day job for me and may have been excessive and unnecessary but I wanted peace-of-mind that my brakes were not going to malfunction.

Good Luck Brother.

 

I have not put 4 in . If you all say 5 turns color then maybe I have 5 in it .

Thanks for the info fellas