Brake Fluids Mix?

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Jul 22, 2009 | 05:39 PM

argabright52

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6th Gear

Joined: May 2008

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From: NC

Brake Fluids Mix?

So I just put the Ness Foot Control Extensions on my 09 Nighttrain and used Dot 5 brake fluid instead of Dot 4 (I bought the wrong one by mistake and didn't realize until I already poured some in and started bleeding the brakes). I bleed the brakes until only purple fluid was coming out. After I got done, I started to wondering if this is going to cause any issues. What's the word on this one, leave it be or go buy some Dot 4 and drain the Dot 5 out? Anyone else made this mistake?

Jul 22, 2009 | 05:53 PM

128auto

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 10,114

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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada

I would flush the whole system and put proper fluid. You can mix Dot 3 and Dot 4, not Dot 5 fluid.

Jul 22, 2009 | 06:19 PM

Bowtieman31

Road Master

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,243

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From: Galt, CA

You need to flush the entire system or the mixture of the two fluids will turn to gel and you will loose the brakes, or lock up the wheel.

Jul 22, 2009 | 06:26 PM

teamstersteward

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 4,640

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From: Corpus Christi,Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowtieman31

You need to flush the entire system or the mixture of the two fluids will turn to gel and you will loose the brakes, or lock up the wheel.

Jul 22, 2009 | 06:59 PM

argabright52

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 11

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From: NC

Brake fluid mix

Thanks for the quick replies from all. I just got done draining the Dot 5 fluid out. I'll go to the dealer in the morning to get some Dot 4 fluid. I assume the draining, then flushing with the Dot 4, then draining that and filling with new Dot 4 should work. Please let me know if there's any other steps I should take on this one.
Dave

Jul 22, 2009 | 07:03 PM

Kush

Stage IV

Joined: Jul 2009

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You may need to replace all of the brake lines, depends on how bad the fluid has gotten as it sat. I'm no expert, but the dealer might be able to tell by looking at it.

Jul 22, 2009 | 07:09 PM

mstakern

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 421

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

You do not need to replace the brake lines. Just flush the entire system really well and you should be fine.

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Jul 23, 2009 | 07:55 AM

hotrod351

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,569

Likes: 12

From: Arizona

flush it and put the syn. brake fluid. i did something similar when i first bought my bike, i topped off the reserve with regular auto brake fluid, lucky it didnt make it to anything because from what i read it will destroy your brake lines. anyway i flushed the system and refilled with the syn and that was 8,000 miles ago. everything is still good.