Front Brake Reservoir Leak Fix???
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
Front Brake Reservoir Leak Fix???
Hello, first off I did search and googled the issue but it seems to get all kinds of solutions to this problem. I noticed the other day while out riding the front reservoir on my 14 Street Bob has started leaking around the seal. It seems to be getting worse to the point I am having to wipe it off with a rag after riding (usually one small drop on the outside of the gasket). I checked with my local dealer about a quick fix when I was there the other day but (of course) was told I would need to leave the bike with them so they could diagnose the problem. I will not leave the bike with them and would prefer them not even touching the bike due to multiple goofs on previous bikes in the past. Has anyone come up with a fix for this issue?
Thanks very much!
Thanks very much!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 50
From: Rouses Point, N.Y.
mine was leaking after 4000 miles dealer replaced it under warranty with new seal and cover told me it was over tightened funny never had touched it I told him. went another 3200 miles same problem drove back to dealer they would not fix. took it apart at home found that the brake fluid had etched the painted edges on cover causing it to follow the etching and leak.bought a chrome cover and washed out the rubber bellows seal with brake cleaner and have gone now 10,000 miles with no issues.
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
My previous two bikes have done the same thing (softail and electra glide).
After I washed my Fat Bob this weekend I found that the paint on the cover is starting to peel. So it will be leaking very soon. I don't know why the painted factory covers do this. The last two were fixed with the chrome cover and a new gasket, didn't have any problems with those. But I don't think I want a chrome cover on this bike. So I also am looking for another permanent fix. I don't want to be replacing it every 10,000 miles or less.
After I washed my Fat Bob this weekend I found that the paint on the cover is starting to peel. So it will be leaking very soon. I don't know why the painted factory covers do this. The last two were fixed with the chrome cover and a new gasket, didn't have any problems with those. But I don't think I want a chrome cover on this bike. So I also am looking for another permanent fix. I don't want to be replacing it every 10,000 miles or less.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
mine was leaking after 4000 miles dealer replaced it under warranty with new seal and cover told me it was over tightened funny never had touched it I told him. went another 3200 miles same problem drove back to dealer they would not fix. took it apart at home found that the brake fluid had etched the painted edges on cover causing it to follow the etching and leak.bought a chrome cover and washed out the rubber bellows seal with brake cleaner and have gone now 10,000 miles with no issues.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
Thanks for the info. I am going to try taking my cover and gasket off, cleaning them and re installing but not so tight. The gasket is bulged out on the right side of the reservoir but that is how it came from the factory.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
I removed the cap today and cleaned the gasket and contact services with alcohol. I reinstalled and snugged up the screws (they were very tight from the factory).
I did forget to look when I removed the cap. One side is thick and the other is thin. Which way does it install?? Always something!
Thanks for the help!
I did forget to look when I removed the cap. One side is thick and the other is thin. Which way does it install?? Always something!
Thanks for the help!
