Dot3 and Dot4 will mix OK. Dot5 is silicone based and will not mix with Dot3 and Dot4. If accidentally done, it will likely result in clogged ports in the master and wheel cylinders. This could cause the caliper to freeze, generating heat against the disc, then it all cooks. Don't know what you originally had in there, so hard to tell if the Dot4 contributed to the problem, or if the system was clogged to begin with.

 

Whew, rough place.

Flush it, clean it, rebuild it, bleed it with DOT 4, and ride into the sun set.

 

The dealer may have made a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. But, if they have bucked this early, you may be forced to sue them, which is probably not worth the heartache.

 

Rush0608 will suck the brake fluid through for you if you need some help bleeding the brakes when you get'em fixed.

 

If you need any clearance underneath the bike, WARG can come over and knock your bike over for you. He will even do it to brand new bikes sitting on the show room floor. Most helpful!

 

That's just wrong.

 

At least you buy them after you drop'em.

 

UPDATE

After doing some research and with the help of some forum members, I came to the conclusion that when DOT4 and DOT5 brkae fluid is mixed, some people say flushing the system will be fine, some say a rebuild with a flush is necessary, and other suggest replacing the entire brake system.

I told the store manager this and said that all they were willing to do is flush the system. I was fine with that as long as he put it in writing that the proper remedy for such a problem would be too flush the system. He adamantly refused to put ANYTHING in writing. I said would trust his professional opinion, but I just wanted his remedy in writing. He continued to refuse to put anything in writing, and said that instead "he knew what I was up to" and would replace my rear brake system. He still refused to put anything in writing. I ended the conversation, frustrated that he would not stand by his word, but happy that the brake system would be replaced therefore eleminating any possible problems in the future.

About a week later they called and said my bike was finished and that I would have to pick it up (its about an hour drive). They refused to deliver my bike back even though they suggested to pick it up in the beginning, which they did. I agreed, and was actually happy to drive it home since it was a nice day and I hadnt had my bike in awhile.

When I got to the dealership, I quickly realized that they had NOT replaced the brake system. They rebuilt the caliper and master cylinder, and replaced the line. I was handed a reciept which stated that they did not test ride the bike, and that the bike had numerous safety issues. I asked the gentleman at the service counter if it was standard procedure to not test ride bikes, and give a bike back to a customer which has "numerouse safety issues." I informed him that I would be back to speak with the store manager AGAIN.

At this point I am going to send a letter to the appropriate authorities, the BBO, and Harley Corporate. I am filing a suit against the store manager in his individual capacity, since he is the one who began the negligence, and ensured I was not treated properly (the parts manager was very helpful, and the store manager is blaming him for promising to fix my bike), for the money it would cost to replace the rest of the system. I would have been happy if he would have told me what he was going to do, and put it in writing, not lie to me.

I am extremely angry with the general manager, after his honest employee tried to remedy the situation he lied and gave me a bike with "numerous safety issues."

Here is the address to the dealership. STAY AWAY, THEY ARE NOT RELIABLE!!!

Sheldon's Harley Davidson
914 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501

508-721-9876
The store managers name is Ed. He is the one who is lying and causing problems.

Shayne is the parts manager, he was very helpful and is being portrayed as the bad guy by Ed.

Please feel free to call the store and speak to Ed and vouch for Shayne. I really hope they don't try to discipline him for any of this. He is a genuinely honest individual. Or just call to state that you will not be using their service.

Thanks for your time in reading this, my number is 774-364-0659, please call me if you have any suggestions, or if you have ever had any similar situations. I will do all I can to ensure they dont do this to anyone else.

Thanks
Tim

ps for the guy who said this is my fault. My bike has an aftermarket master cylinder with no markings. If I bought the fluid, woithout asking the PROFESSIONAL what type of fluid to use, I would be at fault. However, I went to the dealership and used the fluid they gave me.

 

If the dealer rebuit the master cylinder and the caliper that should be fine. Consider that for a reduild they have to change out all of the seals and possibly the cups on the caliper. You practically have a new system after a rebuild except maybe it is not so shiny on the outside. If they are not charging you why are you complaining you screwed up the brake system yourself to begin with.

Next time RTFM - Read the Freakin' Manual! And don't trust a parts counter guy. Always know what part number you want before you go to HD.

 

I am going to have to disagree with your comment that I screwed up the brake system. I should be able to trust someone who is a professional distributor of Harley parts to give me the correct brake fluid. And if they tell me they are going to replace everything, they should replace everything. And they should stand by their work by putting their opinion in writing.