Dot 5 Brake Fluid
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Joined: May 2008
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Dot 5 Brake Fluid
Had my local shop replace front brake cable. They replaced the DOT 4 with DOT 5 in my 08 Road King.
The dealer said this is a problem & I should have this shop remove the fluid & replace with DOT 4. They say the 5 can damage some parts of the system.
Is this correct? The shop says it should not be a problem but will replace it if I want.
The dealer said this is a problem & I should have this shop remove the fluid & replace with DOT 4. They say the 5 can damage some parts of the system.
Is this correct? The shop says it should not be a problem but will replace it if I want.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
Yes, that's correct. \\; The 5 doesn't mix well with the 4. \\; \\; It's needs to be thoroughly flushed. \\; Get it in writing that if the system fails or leaks, they will replace it. \\;
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
The two fluids do not mix and are not compatible with each other, but I believe that all the internal parts of the master cylinders and calipers are identical, so it isn't likely the DOT 5 will damage any internal parts. \\; IF THE SYSTEM WAS \\;COMPLETELY FLUSHED AND YOU HAVE ONLY DOT 5 IN THE SYSTEM, YOU SHOULD HAVE NO SAFETY ISSUES TO WORRY ABOUT. \\; (Just be sure to remember exactly what fluid is in the system and do not rely on the label on the master cylinder when you need to ad fluid! \\; If you ever sell the bike, make sure you tell the new owner what kind of fluid is in the system.
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
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RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
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RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
 \\;
 \\;
.......I had a"spongie" front brake and a worn master cylinder too. I replaced the master and used dot five and it wasn't much better after a complete bleeding. I flushed out the dot 5 and used dot four with much better results. \\; This was on a 2001 RK.
 \\;
.......I had a"spongie" front brake and a worn master cylinder too. I replaced the master and used dot five and it wasn't much better after a complete bleeding. I flushed out the dot 5 and used dot four with much better results. \\; This was on a 2001 RK.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: N. Scottsdale, AZ
RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
Get the Dot 5 out of the bike. \\; It was put in the 2004 models because of the hype from the racers. \\; HD went back to Dot 4 because of all the problems with spongy feel and contamination. \\; Dot 5 is said to be water resistant, however, the water collects on top of the master cylinder. \\; You must flush the system several times to cleanse it out so there will not be further contamination. \\;
 \\;
Find a \\;new Indy shop, fast....
 \\;
Find a \\;new Indy shop, fast....
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 410
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RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
Can someone clear this confusion?My 07 ultra leaks from the diaphram,new one on order.Upgrade for chrome $8.But looking at my fluid it was dark enough to be purple but it wasn't.At 3000 miles it should not be dark in my opinion.
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
RE: Dot 5 Brake Fluid
DOT 5 brake fluid was discontinued because of ABS brakes. Because of the pulsating of the ABS brakes causes air bubbles in the DOT 5 brake fluids (spongy brakes), DOT 4 does not. This happened in police bikes as they had ABS first.
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