Anyone have a problem with the DOT4 brake fluid eating the front master cylinder cover/gasket?&nbsp\\; Anyone ever flush the DOT4 out and replace with DOT5?

 

It is a known issue.

The dealership will replace the cover with the correct one
at no charge.

https://www.hdforums.com/m_2962954/tm.htm

mud

 

Uh, nope.&nbsp\\; I was at the dealer today and they said they could replace the cover and gasket but it would be the exact same one.&nbsp\\; Chalked the problem up to DOT4 fluid 'eating' everything. &nbsp\\; &nbsp\\;

 

&nbsp\\;
They will replace the cover and even the master cylinder under warranty but won't swap the fluids. Go figger.
&nbsp\\;
Good Luck
&nbsp\\;
Tom

 

I'll try to appeal to them using "warranty" extensively. &nbsp\\; I don't think they realized my bike was still under warranty when I spoke to them today.

 

so you should use dot 5 on an 07 streetbob?

 

I'd check with either the service manual or your dealer about that.

 

read the top of the master&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; it says what to put in it

 

Do Not switch to Dot 5.&nbsp\\; Dot 5 is used on 2004's, and is silicone based.&nbsp\\; Meaning, water will not permiate the liquid. However, it will still enter the brake system, but remains on top.&nbsp\\; You will also not get the firm feel with Dot 5, which you have w/ Dot 4.

Dot 5 is very expensive, and difficult to find in large bottles. I bought a gallon from Napa Auto Parts for my bikes.&nbsp\\; My 99 Softtail has stock brakes w/ Dot 4, and stops better.&nbsp\\; IMHO, firmer feel of lever.&nbsp\\;

Dot 5 has a squishy feel to the levers. You also have to be very careful as far as contaminents when servicing the brakes with Dot 5.&nbsp\\; I flushed my system several times before I could achieve a firm feel to the brakes.

Do a search, many blogs regarding the DOT question.&nbsp\\; The only plus to DOT 5, is it won't eat the paint on your bike.&nbsp\\; DOT 5 was used in racing because of the high resistance to heat discipation, so Harley jumped all over it, then realized it was not a good decision because of braking issues.