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DOT5 brake fluid question.

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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 09:32 AM
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Default DOT5 brake fluid question.

Need to fill up....got some dot5 fluid but its silicone. Is that ok to use? Someone told me not to use it.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 09:36 AM
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dot 5 is a silicone based product, if that is what your bike calls for use that. Some HD's take 5 some dont, it can not be used with ABS
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 09:37 AM
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Unless your Master cylinder cover says use DOT5, don't use it. It is not compatible with anything else.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 09:42 AM
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Thanks... Cover on front res does say to use dot5. Thanks for your help
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 10:35 AM
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you can use any type, the system is compadable. but you cant mix different fluids.. you need to flush everything out first if your swapping from mineral oil (3,4)to silicone(5).
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 10:48 AM
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DOT 5 fluid isn't used in very many vehicles, with HD being one of the few. That explains why some non-HD-savvy people say not to use it. I've even been questioned by newer employees when buying it in auto parts stores. A few more seasoned employees have asked what kind of Harley I have when I buy it.

FYI, over time it changes from purple to yellow, so don't assume the fluid in the bike is something different if it's yellow. That had me a bit concerned the first time I did a flush.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 10:53 AM
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DOT 5 is the most stable brake fluid you can buy because it is silicone. I finally flushed my rear brake system at 12 years old (2 years ago.)

I'll get around to the front when I replace my front brake lines. ( The plastic coating is yellowing a bit.)
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by OCD-in-ATL
DOT 5 fluid isn't used in very many vehicles, with HD being one of the few. That explains why some non-HD-savvy people say not to use it. I've even been questioned by newer employees when buying it in auto parts stores. A few more seasoned employees have asked what kind of Harley I have when I buy it.

FYI, over time it changes from purple to yellow, so don't assume the fluid in the bike is something different if it's yellow. That had me a bit concerned the first time I did a flush.
That's funny because it's usually the other way around.usually from a very light yellow(think urine) it turns to a light brownish...
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 11:48 AM
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I've only used American Grease Stick silicone brake fluid, which is purple. I guess there are other brands that are different colors when new.

http://www.agscompany.com/lubricants/automotive/170
 
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Old Sep 21, 2013 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by OCD-in-ATL
I've only used American Grease Stick silicone brake fluid, which is purple. I guess there are other brands that are different colors when new.

http://www.agscompany.com/lubricants/automotive/170
You're probably right.I can't tell the colors on the Harley but I've had numerous superbikes in the past and they all come in this very light yellowish color when new and it turns a light brown after sometime.
 
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