clutch and brake fluid flushes: worth it?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 444
Likes: 51
From: Northwest Arkansas
For brakes and hydraulic clutches, this is one of the most useful tools for getting the brake systems flushed, filled and bled.
BikeMaster Brake Fluid Bleeder
The only other thing you'll need is access to an air compressor, but the BM Brake Fluid Bleeder makes the job a snap. Fast, effective and it's as fun as a fluid service can be
BikeMaster Brake Fluid Bleeder
The only other thing you'll need is access to an air compressor, but the BM Brake Fluid Bleeder makes the job a snap. Fast, effective and it's as fun as a fluid service can be
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,722
Likes: 9,152
From: Georgia
For all of you guys willing to pay $2-300 to have this fluid flushed for you:
Would you pay extra to have someone come to your house to do it for you? I'm thinking I might have a side business figured out!
Would you pay extra to have someone come to your house to do it for you? I'm thinking I might have a side business figured out!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
I've bled brakes on countless cars and bikes. But in the case of the ABS systems on a Harley, to do it right, it has to be done with that damn computer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 432
From: PA
45 minute job for both and a $10 bottle of DOT 4.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/h...equipped-bikes
This was also confirmed by my Indy shop who told me to take it to the Harley Dealer to have it done right.
You can move fluid through the system as shown in the video. But you're not flushing it completely.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 432
From: PA
I am not arguing your point, I try to keep my bike away from HD service as much as possible and the minimum amount that is retained by the module will have little to no effect when mixed with fresh fluid.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
Thanks for the link, How much fluid is retained in the ABS module ? For the most part when done like I did it you will be replacing most of the fluids in the system minus whatever gets trapped in the module.
I am not arguing your point, I try to keep my bike away from HD service as much as possible and the minimum amount that is retained by the module will have little to no effect when mixed with fresh fluid.
I am not arguing your point, I try to keep my bike away from HD service as much as possible and the minimum amount that is retained by the module will have little to no effect when mixed with fresh fluid.
As far as how much contaminated brake fluid is left behind? I honestly do not know. Probably not much. However, when it comes to brakes, I like to do it 100%. ymmv.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 7
From: S.FL
I was just told this by my service advisory buddy and didn't believe him at first... Guess its true then. Just had it flushed by my Indy at 20k, you think it's a necessity to do it again at the dealership even thought I just did it? I like my bike to stop lol
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
The only thing I know is, I've been told by an Indy I trust, and the Moco dealer that the computer is proprietary and the only thing that gets 100% of the fluid changed. My opinion is that the little bit left over probably isn't a big deal. You're probably not going to boil your fluid going down a mountain with that little bit of contaminated fluid. Probably. So the ocd in me wants to be 100% sure my brakes are as good as they can be and is worth the $200.
And bear in mind, I work on almost all my vehicles. I HATE paying that kind of money for something I have done countless times on other cars and bikes.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 193
Likes: 28
From: Northern Virginia
I like to do most of my own maintenance myself. However, when it comes to brakes, I'm taking it to the dealer to ensure the job is done per the manufacturer recommendations. I don't agree with Harley that you need a two-year brake flush. I use a tool to measure the moisture content in the brake fluid and change it when needed. My brake flushes usually happen around the 3 year point as that's when the moisture content hits the >2% measure which is when replacement is recommended.
Food for thought, but to each their own.
Food for thought, but to each their own.