Leaky front brake reservoir

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Jun 5, 2021 | 11:41 AM

#11

brakeless

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2017

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From: NorCal

DOT 4? On a 2011 WG? Heck even my '93 LowRider uses DOT 5.

Jun 5, 2021 | 12:47 PM

#12

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,525

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From: Honah Lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by brakeless

DOT 4? On a 2011 WG? Heck even my '93 LowRider uses DOT 5.

When Harley went standard with ABS on top end and optional on most, that requires DOT 3 or 4 on all the designs available. . Rather then have two fluids, they made everything the same.

Having two would be a diaster for sure. Probably is since they still have two fluids. People don't remember what years. aftermarket caps and people don't read. Some think bigger is better and 5 is bigger then 4, 4 then 3???

Having that master above tank with 4 in it is a diaster waiting to happen.

Harley should have designed their own ABS around DOT5.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 5, 2021 at 12:53 PM.

Jun 5, 2021 | 06:36 PM

#13

WDinFallCity

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 37

Likes: 5

From: Fall City, WA

Yeh, when I first saw the leak and the tank immediately below it I got the rig home as quick as possible and put a towel between the two. Fixing the paint on the reservoir is one thing, but I'd really be ticked if even one drip hit the tank.

Jun 5, 2021 | 06:40 PM

#14

E-clip

Banned

Joined: May 2021

Posts: 1,019

Likes: 325

From: Virginia

I stopped mine from leaking by removing the cap and cleaning all the dried and crusted brake fluid from the sealing surfaces then tightening the screws just until they grab.

Jun 5, 2021 | 08:30 PM

#15

wanderingwheel

Stage I

Joined: Jun 2021

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: Louisiana

Someone once explained to me that with these caps and their particular gaskets, that if you remove it and set it upside down some residual fluid will find it's way into a place that will allow it to leak out when reinstalled. It's slow enough that it will fool you into thinking it's a real leak later on down the road. True or not, I don't know, but I will say that after he told me about it I always keep my cap right side up.

Jun 5, 2021 | 09:10 PM

#16

brakeless

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 5,915

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From: NorCal

I always clean the cap and gasket before reinstalling. It's a good habit to get into. Screws too. Then if there's any doubt wipe around the master cylinder with denatured alcohol.