Front Master Break Leak
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Colombia
Front Master Break Leak
New 2013 Fxdc Dyna Super Glide Custom. Third time I had to clean it with 1500 miles.
I know there are many threads out there that talk about this problem. I cleaned the cap as intructed, lowered level to adequate amount, tightened screws making sure seal doesn't deform. Doesn't work!!! It still leaks. After fast drives out I notice seal moist and leak on sides.
I'm pissed, as this has been the only defect I've noticed on the bike. Good it's only 1 defect.
I've analyzed the seal, the master break container, the clear plastic level viewer, and the cap. I used to think it was the clear level viewer, but then after thinking a lot about it, I noticed break fluid never came out through the top, it's always on the perimeter. So how could the break fluid get to be in between the seal and the cap if it wasn't through the viewer.
After looking at the rubber seal for about 20 minutes while drying everything of, I noticed the defect from the manufacturer, HD or Brembo (as I've been told they manufacture the breaks).
On both sides of the seal, where the screws are located, the seal makes a U shape and doesn't protect the screw area. As I installed the seal, I confirmed my findings as all around the seal came in tight contact with the master cylinder walls except on the screw area. I could see from one side to de other.
Questions:
Does any one know and have a picture of any aftermarket seal and cap that might do a complete 360° seal?
Does anyone have inside access to HD to have them analyze the issue at hand with this new observations?
I know there are many threads out there that talk about this problem. I cleaned the cap as intructed, lowered level to adequate amount, tightened screws making sure seal doesn't deform. Doesn't work!!! It still leaks. After fast drives out I notice seal moist and leak on sides.
I'm pissed, as this has been the only defect I've noticed on the bike. Good it's only 1 defect.
I've analyzed the seal, the master break container, the clear plastic level viewer, and the cap. I used to think it was the clear level viewer, but then after thinking a lot about it, I noticed break fluid never came out through the top, it's always on the perimeter. So how could the break fluid get to be in between the seal and the cap if it wasn't through the viewer.
After looking at the rubber seal for about 20 minutes while drying everything of, I noticed the defect from the manufacturer, HD or Brembo (as I've been told they manufacture the breaks).
On both sides of the seal, where the screws are located, the seal makes a U shape and doesn't protect the screw area. As I installed the seal, I confirmed my findings as all around the seal came in tight contact with the master cylinder walls except on the screw area. I could see from one side to de other.
Questions:
Does any one know and have a picture of any aftermarket seal and cap that might do a complete 360° seal?
Does anyone have inside access to HD to have them analyze the issue at hand with this new observations?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
This problerm is often caused by overfilling the resevoir. I doesn't need as much fluid in as most people think. The seal works fine but you gotta be aware that it may have been overtightened at some point and warped the cap.
I bought a new one replaced it and it had a bigger seal. I put two of the girls hair ties around it and taped that thing off... No leak any more. Harley just laughs as they sell you another cover. It's something like 15 inch lbs torque on those
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Colombia
Level is fine
Only defect I could find was u shape in seal.
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 36
From: Alberta, Canada
I had the same issue and replaced it with a new cap and gasket. The leak stopped and was good...until...I did my bars over the winter and had to replace the brake line. I flushed the system and put everything back together. Started leaking AGAIN!
I took it apart and cleaned it good with brake cleaner on both sides and let it dry. When I put it back together, I just snugged the screws, I mean just snugged them up. Just using two fingers on the shank of the screwdriver and stopped well before the gasket started to bulge. Now to me this is not tight enough and I felt the screws would fall out. So far they have not moved and it has not leaked since and I check it every time I ride.
I took it apart and cleaned it good with brake cleaner on both sides and let it dry. When I put it back together, I just snugged the screws, I mean just snugged them up. Just using two fingers on the shank of the screwdriver and stopped well before the gasket started to bulge. Now to me this is not tight enough and I felt the screws would fall out. So far they have not moved and it has not leaked since and I check it every time I ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 196
Likes: 12
From: Philly area
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Colombia
That does look much better. Will contact my dealer and have them send me a new one through warranty
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, MO
2012 Wide Glide with same issue. replaced twice under warranty so far, will be again the next time i get to the dealership. service manager told me it will always be that way due to the type of rubber used in the gasket and the type of brake fluid. said it's a known issue and no plans from HD to do anything about it.
Funny, I noticed some weeping on my 2012 FXDC last night. Tore apart and cleaned. Lightly tightened the screws. I will now keep this on my preflight check. I recall my 1987 XL883 had this issue too.
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