Wrong Fluid by Dealer!

JSW · #1 02-26-2006, 05:39 PM

OK so I just had my bars/brake&clutch cables changed out by the dealer (I would've done it myself but I got lazy and it was a great winter special).
So a couple of days ago I changed my front brake pads out and did a thourough clean and inspection of the calipers and pistons (as per Lindall instructions) and in doing so I figured I'd bleed the brakes cause I was getting a spongy feel on the test ride, and I used the manual recommended DOT 5. I remember seeing the purple color and thinking that it was weird that it was different than what was in there.
Long story short I still wasnt happy with the brake performance after my attempts to bleed them, so I did the usual checking on this forum. Anyway, in reading some other threads here I found out that DOT 5 fluid is all purple and the DOT 4 is amber? in color (I think) and that leads me to this situation-- I now have a mix of 4 and 5 in my brake system due to the Dealer using 4 and me using 5 without knowing it. Now I'll take the rap for being a beginner and not knowing much about anything but now I'm pissed and need some advice about the problems this may have caused or is causing.

thanks for any input
Kevin
02 FXD

HDF Tech · #2 02-26-2006, 07:50 PM

Kevin

You have created a mess!

Did you bleed the DOT 5 you added through the system or did you just top off the cylinder with it. In any event it has to come out of there now!

If it is just in the master cylinder, you can remove the fluid from there and flush the system with the proper fluid that was in your bike running a full bottle through the system to be sure it's flushed out.

If you bled the system and replenished the master cylinder and re bled it again taking the 5 through the system, then you need to disassemble the calipers , lines and master cylinder and flush them all very well with a cleaner to remove the contaminated fluid.
If you leave any trace in there, what happens is the fluid will congeal and make a jello like substance in there which will render the system inop.

The cover of the master cylinder usually states what fluid is in the system, and should not be changed to a different DOT without complete rebuilding of the system.

You'll find many articles on brake fluid in this section . Go through the 3 pages and read about the fluid topics, should be about 4 topics there. http://www.hdforums.com/forumid_245/...smode_1/tt.htm

If you do not feel confident to make this repair yourself, take it to a confident mechanic that you know will disassemble the system and not just flush it out like some will do.

I just saw the topic heading here..Wrong Fluid by Dealer! ..If they did it then they are responsible to make it right and get a release from them what they did for liability purposes incase you loose your brakes from them taking a short cut.

JSW · #3 02-26-2006, 08:03 PM

Thanks TC,
I know it was a long story but the main point was that the Dealer put the wrong fluid in as far as I could tell. I just used the correct fluid while bleeding the system after changing pads. I will contact the dealer asap and let them know. I hope it works out. They have done a great job so far with me and I hope this doesn't change my experience though it doesn't look good....

Kevin

HDF Tech · #4 02-26-2006, 08:16 PM

Kevin

If they made the mistake , they really can't give you anything but apologies. Let us know how things turn out.

Make sure to let them know that YOU know the proper way to solve this issue by disassembling and cleaning the system or they will flush it through and call it a day.

JSW · #5 02-26-2006, 08:45 PM

TC, Do you have any suggestions on how I can prove that the dealer put DOT 4 in when doing the handlebar change. My receipt doesn't show any fluid change, but I know they had to do it. The only worry I have is that the system may have had DOT 4 in it from before they did the handlebar change. I bought it used and all brakes and equipment were stock. In your opinion, Is there a chance that the previous owner was using DOT 4? There was 5600 miles on it when I bought it so I don't believe he would have changed out the system in that few miles. The brakes were working fine, but the pads had some uneven wear and the pistons needed some cleaning.

Kevin

HDF Tech · #6 02-26-2006, 09:08 PM

Usually the color will tell the difference. Remember now that 5.1 DOT wil mix with the DOT 4 (both being glycol based) but the DOT 5 will not. Just don't ask me the different colors now

Maybe go to the dealer and question what they put in there before making a fuss and go by that. You may not have a problem is what I'm saying here. If you were running dot 4 and they used 5.1, you're oK.

JSW · #7 02-26-2006, 11:02 PM

Thanks for your insight TC. You are always a mountain of information. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kevin

JSW · #8 02-27-2006, 08:46 PM

I called my dealer today about the brake fluid issue.

The tech said that DOT 5 was put into the system when they installed the brake line. I told him that its a amber/yellowish color coming out of the bleeder (which is not the purple color of DOT 5). He stated that "the fluid will change color while in the system due to the aluminum of the master cylinder and that it is normal for this to happen." This seems very weird to me but I'll wait to see what you guys think.

He also told me that if DOT 4 and DOT 5 were to be put into a glass that they would literally sit on top of each other and not mix at all. I hope he's right.

Anyone know different, I can't be the first guy to see a different color come out of the bleeder than what he put in???

Kevin
02 FXD

wlbowers · #9 03-05-2006, 04:30 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: JSW

OK so I just had my bars/brake&clutch cables changed out by the dealer (I would've done it myself but I got lazy and it was a great winter special).
So a couple of days ago I changed my front brake pads out and did a thourough clean and inspection of the calipers and pistons (as per Lindall instructions) and in doing so I figured I'd bleed the brakes cause I was getting a spongy feel on the test ride, and I used the manual recommended DOT 5. I remember seeing the purple color and thinking that it was weird that it was different than what was in there.
Long story short I still wasnt happy with the brake performance after my attempts to bleed them, so I did the usual checking on this forum. Anyway, in reading some other threads here I found out that DOT 5 fluid is all purple and the DOT 4 is amber? in color (I think) and that leads me to this situation-- I now have a mix of 4 and 5 in my brake system due to the Dealer using 4 and me using 5 without knowing it. Now I'll take the rap for being a beginner and not knowing much about anything but now I'm pissed and need some advice about the problems this may have caused or is causing.

thanks for any input
Kevin
02 FXD

Was it DOT 5 or DOT 5.1
DOT 5 and DOT 5.1 are very different standards, confusingly named by the US Department Of Transport. Of the two, only DOT 5.1 is compatible with DOT 4. Mixing DOT 5 fluid with any traces of DOT 4 will form precipitants that will clog the braking system.

Get it out. Get it out now. This will mean you will do what would amount to a rebuild of the entire brake system. Break down, wash out, and reassemble.

Talk to the dealer. It won't hurt.

JSW · #10 03-05-2006, 10:59 PM

I've got it all under control now. I did a lot of research and found out that DOT 5 has, and will change color in your system. I can't say why it did, but enough mechanics and guys have said it happens to satisfy me. My brakes are operating fine now and I appreciate all the help I've received.