2001 FLSTF Brake Fluid Question
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
2001 FLSTF Brake Fluid Question
I recently bought a 2001 Fat Boy. The manual at my local library says I should use DOT5. The reservoir cover says DOT4. Is there any way to check the fluid to see what is currently in there? I know mixing them can cause gelling so I'm hesitant to start flushing with either DOT4 or 5 until I know what's in there. I'm thinking this is a possible misprint in the manual for that year or that the original owner changed the cover to a chrome one from a different year that says DOT4 on it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
Prior to the advent of ABS, most HD bikes used DOT 5.... technically it's a better fluid, just doesn't play well with ABS...
My 2001 & 2003 use DOT 5....
The question is... did a prior owner just change the cap, or go through the trouble of flushing the system to switch to DOT 4...!?!?
Get some water, syphon some fluid out of the reservoir, and do this test.....
My 2001 & 2003 use DOT 5....
The question is... did a prior owner just change the cap, or go through the trouble of flushing the system to switch to DOT 4...!?!?
Get some water, syphon some fluid out of the reservoir, and do this test.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,411
From: Honah Lee
Is it purple? However, after only a year, it changes to a straw color. Go on Harley.com and put your vin in and you can see the owners manual. If still unsure. Flush it and refill with DOT5. And get a proper cover. People do all kinds of stupid stuff in ignorance.
It came with 5. Here is your answer. Click FITMENT
https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...-12-9990277--1
It came with 5. Here is your answer. Click FITMENT
https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...-12-9990277--1
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 11, 2019 at 06:32 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Prior to the advent of ABS, most HD bikes used DOT 5.... technically it's a better fluid, just doesn't play well with ABS...
My 2001 & 2003 use DOT 5....
The question is... did a prior owner just change the cap, or go through the trouble of flushing the system to switch to DOT 4...!?!?
Get some water, syphon some fluid out of the reservoir, and do this test.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THyz-VRvtOg
My 2001 & 2003 use DOT 5....
The question is... did a prior owner just change the cap, or go through the trouble of flushing the system to switch to DOT 4...!?!?
Get some water, syphon some fluid out of the reservoir, and do this test.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THyz-VRvtOg
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