2018 FLHCS Rear Brake Issue

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Jun 23, 2020 | 01:34 PM

bronxbill

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,873

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From: Raleigh NC

2018 FLHCS Rear Brake Issue

My bike , 2018 FLHCS with just over 12,000 miles, is currently at my local Indy for repair, but I thought I would ask here if anyone has had a similar problem. My rear brakes are currently almost non existent; here are the symptoms:
1. Brake pedal will travel all the way to the mechanical stop. It will hold the bike from moving if stopped, but if the bike is traveling, it takes about 300 yards to stop the bike.
2. There is no ABS light and the front brakes work perfectly.

I have checked brake fluid level and it is fine, I cleaned the rotors with brake cleaner, no help. I don't have to equipment to bleed ABS brakes so I haven't done that but I guess it's a possibility. I thought maybe glazed brake pads, but that would not account for the brake pedal travel. I'm not real skilled at brake work, so any thoughts would be appreciated.

Jun 23, 2020 | 01:41 PM

ss3964spd

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2020

Posts: 290

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From: Fairfax, Va

Bill, if the pedal is traveling to its mechanical limit the issue almost has to be brake fluid level related, a significant amount of air in the line(s), or a bad master cylinder.

Jun 23, 2020 | 06:46 PM

Tozco

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 575

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From: Spokane, WA

Air in the line is the most plausible answer. Crack open the bleeder on the rear caliper while slowly depressing the brake pedal, close the bleeder before the pedal reaches the stop. A few reps should do it. Slip a piece of hose over the bleeder to keep the dot4 off yer paint. It's not absolutely necessary to use fancy equipment.

Jun 24, 2020 | 01:26 PM

bronxbill

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Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

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From: Raleigh NC

Thanks for the replies; you were correct, there was air in the line. Once the brakes were bled, all was well again

Jun 24, 2020 | 02:08 PM

Tampa Fatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2012

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From: Sunshine State

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronxbill

Thanks for the replies; you were correct, there was air in the line. Once the brakes were bled, all was well again

You come back with the answer to the problem, I'm impressed.

I change fluid/and bleed brakes with a huge syringe at the caliper. Suck the fluid backwards, at the end of the process pull the hand lever repeatedly until you feel that pressure build. At that point, I pull the lever one final time and tie wrap it over night.
Little overkill, but in the morning when I cut that zip tie and see pressure still there I know I got it

Jun 24, 2020 | 02:21 PM

Steve Sportster

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2018

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From: Ft. Wayne IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronxbill

Thanks for the replies; you were correct, there was air in the line. Once the brakes were bled, all was well again

Your 2018 FLHCS should probably have the fluid changed per the 2 year "rule" in the owner's and service manuals. Mine is coming up shortly and I'll probably take it to an Indy shop or my local dealer.

Jun 25, 2020 | 06:12 AM

bronxbill

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,873

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From: Raleigh NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Sportster

Steve, yes, you are correct about the two year change; I have til September before I hit 2 years. I figure that will be when I'm doing the next service.