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I have a 2006 Softail Deluxe. The master cylinder lid leaks and the paint is flaking off of the master cylinder.

I have a new master cylinder on the workbench. I am going to be upgrading the brake line to a stainless braided one and I need new brake pads.

Since I am not a fan of the DOT4 brake fluid that comes in the 2006 models, I want to switch to DOT5 - the master cylinder and brake line are new so that won't be an issue. However, I will need to clean and flush my caliper - what is the best way to do that and what do I flush it with?

 

Id spray the caliper inside and out with brake cleaner, blow it out with air

 

before doing ask a brake specialist, I think dot 5 is sytntheic, some thing about your seal.s not likeing it.. I might be wrong

 

DOT 3 And 4 come in synthetic.

 

The brake calipers on the Deluxe are a one-off and I personally believe they are a poor design. Earlier this year I worked on a buddies Deluxe and as an experiment I test fitted a front caliper off an 02 Fatboy. Perfect fit and alignment. My recommendation would be to check ebay for a caliper, HD part number 44046-00, which fits numerous models and should be easy to find. Rebuild the caliper with a new seal kit and install a fresh set of pads. You'll have a better designed brake system which accepts DOT 5.

 

I would change the seals also. not worth the risk.... you would have to spilt the caliper to change the seals it would be very easy to clean the caliper out then...just my 2cts....swifty