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Brake Fluid Question

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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 07:37 AM
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1Hellrazor's Avatar
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Default Brake Fluid Question

Hello everyone, my question is....do I have to run a "special" kind of brake fluid in the back cylinder on my 2006 Sporty? Or can I just buy a "regular" can from any parts store? Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 08:37 AM
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As long as it is the particular type, specifically the DOT #, you'll be fine
 
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 1Hellrazor
Hello everyone, my question is....do I have to run a "special" kind of brake fluid in the back cylinder on my 2006 Sporty? Or can I just buy a "regular" can from any parts store? Thanks in advance.
There is no "regular" brake fluid, it comes in several flavors known as DOT x, where x equals the fluid type. The correct fluid type is imprinted on the top of your master cylinder covers, it should be DOT 4 or DOT 5. Harley switched the type of fluid they use from DOT 5 to DOT 4 around 2006, so check your caps.

DO NOT mix fluid types, they are not compatible.

Edit:
For model year 2005, the FL platform changed to DOT 4.
For 2006, all models except the Sportster went to DOT 4.
For model year 2007, the Sportster changed to DOT 4.

.
 

Last edited by cHarley; Jan 28, 2013 at 09:10 AM.
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 09:00 AM
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Look at the brake res cap it "should" say Dot 5... Not dot 5 is not compatible with dot 3/4 that u use for your car...
 
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 11:46 AM
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As stated above, check your reservoir cap for the correct DOT number. If for some reason your cap was replaced with one that does not have the DOT type listed, check your service manual or owners manual. DO NOT ADD ANYTHING UNTIL YOU MAKE SURE IT IS THE CORRECT ONE!!!!!!!!
 
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 12:07 PM
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Thanks everyone, I'll check the cap to see which DOT # the old girl uses. As always, this is still the greatest place for Harley advice, tips and ****. Thank you fellers again, I greatly appreciate it.
 
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