Checking brake fluid

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Jul 27, 2009 | 02:09 PM

JDHD06

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: COUNCIL BLUFFS IA.

Checking brake fluid

Hi guys just wondering if you take the master cylinder covers off to check your brake fluid levels do you have to bleed them afterwards. My rear brake on 05 883 low feels pretty soft. If its low on fluid can you just top it off. Thanks jeff.

Jul 27, 2009 | 02:19 PM

xFreebirdx

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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

Yes you can just take the covers off to fill them.

Jul 27, 2009 | 02:19 PM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

If the fluid is just low you can top it off, but a low level, as long as it's not sucking air, isn't going to cause a soft pedal.

It may be time to replace the fluid. The required DOT fluid type (4 or 5) is embossed on the top of the master cylinder cap.

Jul 27, 2009 | 03:26 PM

PHAT A$$

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xFreebirdx and cHarley,

I always see you guys postin' up some good info, just wnted to say thanks!

J

Jul 27, 2009 | 03:55 PM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHAT A$$

xFreebirdx and cHarley,

I always see you guys postin' up some good info, just wnted to say thanks!

J

Thanks, I don't begin to claim to know it all, and the info I post here is only what I've learned along the way from knowledge passed on by others and my own personal experience. Shared knowledge makes life better for everyone.

Jul 27, 2009 | 08:20 PM

kc5gxc

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 108

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From: Poplarville, MS

Hi Jeff
I got an '05. It had rear master cyl problems. I hear this is common. I found out about this when I attempted to bleed the rear brakes. They would not bleed. Most guys end up replacing the rear master cylinder. But....this may not be your problem.
Good Luck........Pete

Jul 27, 2009 | 09:13 PM

stng_96

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,118

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From: Marion Ill

I actually had to replace the rear caliper on mine, never seen anyone else have to do that, but my old just went bad.

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Jul 28, 2009 | 02:03 PM

SportyPig

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Nashville, TN

Speaking of that. I think I'm gonna finally breakdown and change my brake fluid. Geeze I've really been dreading that!! (Yes, I still have the original brake fluid in my bike)

Jul 28, 2009 | 02:16 PM

#10

cHarley

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 16,320

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by SportyPig

Speaking of that. I think I'm gonna finally breakdown and change my brake fluid. Geeze I've really been dreading that!! (Yes, I still have the original brake fluid in my bike)

Yep, I'd say you're over due Bud. An easy six pack job, but speed bleeders make it much easier.