Brake fluid on tank after upgrades?
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 204
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From: Santa Clara, CA
Brake fluid on tank after upgrades?
I recently got my new 3 spoke front wheel on with dual discs and calipers. The black pearl magnum line is on as well but I think it is allowing brake fluid to get blown onto the tank while I ride. There is a junction at the triple tree the links the upper brake line and the lower lines. I've tightened it down pretty well but I suspect it is still leaking.
How tight can I take that connection?
Maybe the banjo bolts need to go tighter as well, though I torqued them to the spec in the book.
I'm using copper washers but HD has another set with a rubber coating. I can't tell if brake fluid is running down the line from the master cylinder, but would copper washers allow weeping of brake fluid?
Thanks for the help!
I tried searching but there were so many threads about other brake topics and not fluid leaking that I started my own.
How tight can I take that connection?
Maybe the banjo bolts need to go tighter as well, though I torqued them to the spec in the book.
I'm using copper washers but HD has another set with a rubber coating. I can't tell if brake fluid is running down the line from the master cylinder, but would copper washers allow weeping of brake fluid?
Thanks for the help!
I tried searching but there were so many threads about other brake topics and not fluid leaking that I started my own.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
Here's a picture of the wheel and brakes. I already wiped up the brake fluid right as I got to work this morning. I will check before I leave tonight for where the fluid is coming from.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
I can't advise you on your brake lines, but I can warn you on your paint. Brake Fluid can literally strip the paint off your tank. Don't allow it to be in contact with your paint for any length of time. It can totally ruin your paint. Until you repair the leaks, keeping the pant well waxed will help.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 204
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From: Santa Clara, CA
PanHeadRich- yep. i'm aware of the damaging effects of brake fluid which has me concerned. luckily my ride is about 16 miles one way and I wiped it off as soon as I got to work. 
Thanks for the tip Warp Factor. I'll give it a shot.
Thanks for the tip Warp Factor. I'll give it a shot.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Are you sure it's brake fluid? If it's enough to get on the tank you should see where it's coming from. I've seen where a bad fork seal will blow fork oil on the bike. It could be confused with brake fluid. Just a thought.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5
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From: Colorado
I'd replace the washers too , always have trouble with them when doing power steering work on the cagers
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
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Likes: 3
From: UK
Depends on the brake fluid. Dot5 is silicone based and does not wreck paint. Most modern Harleys run Dot5.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Santa Clara, CA
when it was new, the seals only left a film of oil on the fork tube. This is on the fork tube, under the fork gators, and running down the slider.
I'm going to clean it up and keep my eye on it.
My bike uses DOT4 so it would be damaging to paint. good to know about DOT5 though.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 100
From: MA
after looking everything over again last night, I found that the new fork seals are still seating, which is letting oil seep out. this is more than when I bought the bike new and looks like it is blowing off the forks and onto the tank. I'd much rather have this happen than brake fluid.
when it was new, the seals only left a film of oil on the fork tube. This is on the fork tube, under the fork gators, and running down the slider.
I'm going to clean it up and keep my eye on it.
My bike uses DOT4 so it would be damaging to paint. good to know about DOT5 though.
when it was new, the seals only left a film of oil on the fork tube. This is on the fork tube, under the fork gators, and running down the slider.
I'm going to clean it up and keep my eye on it.
My bike uses DOT4 so it would be damaging to paint. good to know about DOT5 though.
Last edited by union53; May 22, 2014 at 11:14 AM. Reason: Unclear even to me :)