Switchback front brake lever fade
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Switchback front brake lever fade
I know this has been talked about before and some of you have replaced your front brake master cylinder which resolved the problem of the fading front brake lever.
I'm thinking I'm going to have to do that this spring before the bike goes back on the road. Figures...I have no vibration problems like a lot of FLD owners, but that front brake lever fade is really bad!
What I need to know is, those that replaced it, did you use HD stock parts or aftermarket?
I'm thinking I'm going to have to do that this spring before the bike goes back on the road. Figures...I have no vibration problems like a lot of FLD owners, but that front brake lever fade is really bad!
What I need to know is, those that replaced it, did you use HD stock parts or aftermarket?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Bundaberg, Australia...OY!
replaced under warranty no problems after that, common fault, get them to replace it for free
most likely the fault is in the master cylinder, bleeding down
Replace the brake pads with Lyndalls is the next option to improve braking
most likely the fault is in the master cylinder, bleeding down
Replace the brake pads with Lyndalls is the next option to improve braking
Last edited by bundy bruiser; Jan 15, 2013 at 09:22 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod
Get the Dealer to Replace It!
I had been plagued with a front brake on my 2012 FXDC that had to be pumped up after sitting for a while (a common problem on switchbacks too, apparently). My dealership admitted this was problem for a number of bikes and tried pressure bleeding to no avail. They finally spoke to the regional rep who OK'd a warrantee replacement of the master cylinder and that solved the problem. The rep apparently never outright admitted there was a problem with the cylinder, but did let slip something about a problem with bore dimensions. If you have a similar problem, insist on a new master cylinder.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Looks like I'll be headed to the dealer in the spring...but, I will bleed the line and see if that fixes the problem before I head there.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Bonneau SC
I found that on mine the control/master cylinder was rolled to far forward on the bars. This caused low fluid level allowing air to enter the brake line making them spongy.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 239
From: northeast
good that you found that issue, most of us though ended up with the bad unit that had to be replaced..
Stage III
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Brake fade / leak
I know this has been talked about before and some of you have replaced your front brake master cylinder which resolved the problem of the fading front brake lever.
I'm thinking I'm going to have to do that this spring before the bike goes back on the road. Figures...I have no vibration problems like a lot of FLD owners, but that front brake lever fade is really bad!
What I need to know is, those that replaced it, did you use HD stock parts or aftermarket?
I'm thinking I'm going to have to do that this spring before the bike goes back on the road. Figures...I have no vibration problems like a lot of FLD owners, but that front brake lever fade is really bad!
What I need to know is, those that replaced it, did you use HD stock parts or aftermarket?
Must have bad housings, the threads on mine were bad so air was getting in and giving fade. They put on new one and it feels good having a real front brake again.