NO front brakes!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Our hydraulic systems are not sealed and DOT4 is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water. The reason H-D used DOT5 for so long is that it isn't, unfortunately it doesn't like working with ABS. Changing brake fluid should be done at regular intervals, every 2 years IMHO and experience.
That can mean that when changing say brake pads it is not wise to simply pry back the pistons, as the system may become over-filled. I also routinely flush my brakes when changing pads.
That can mean that when changing say brake pads it is not wise to simply pry back the pistons, as the system may become over-filled. I also routinely flush my brakes when changing pads.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
I imagine that could put a rider in a pretty tight spot if it happened while riding. Did this happen all of a sudden or did you experience any tell tale signs before it actually froze up?
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: North Miami Beach, FL
As it turns out there was warning, twice while riding in one day the front brake got stiffer, had to squeeze harder for results. It went away, then later that day a little more stiffer. By the end of the day at home the front brake was normal. Brakes were fine for 2 weeks then wham, locked. A hydro lock is way different than a spongy or a soft weak brake where the lever moves and the bike slows/stops slowly or seemingly not at all. With the hydro lock the lever was solid, absolutely no play or movement. Glad it wasn't both at the same time. Rear brakes couldn't be better, never even a lick of trouble, only my fronts.
Have you written the letter yet?
What I see from reading this thread, and tell me if I'm wrong...
You bought a USED bike 2 years ago, and have not flushed the system since you owned it, and do not have any documentation that it was ever flushed per the manufacturers 2 year guidelines.
As far as you know, that fluid could be 8 years old...
I keep records of everything, and the guy that buys from me, gets those records.
I'm not criticizing, but there is a reason I won't buy a used bike as my primary ride.
What I see from reading this thread, and tell me if I'm wrong...
You bought a USED bike 2 years ago, and have not flushed the system since you owned it, and do not have any documentation that it was ever flushed per the manufacturers 2 year guidelines.
As far as you know, that fluid could be 8 years old...
I keep records of everything, and the guy that buys from me, gets those records.
I'm not criticizing, but there is a reason I won't buy a used bike as my primary ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
Posts about brake failure is why I took my bike to the dealer for the brake fluid service. This is the first bike I've had with ABS brakes. As far as I know the dealer uses the Digital Tech to active the ABS system when flushing the brake fluid, something I can't do. I also have ESP so I wanted to document that the recommended brake service was done if I have any problems in the future.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,895
From: Oklahoma
Why doesn't this happen with cars? Few get periodic brake fluid replacement yet I have NEVER heard of hydraulic lock on a car. This suggests that the Harley ABS controller is in need of a redesign. The only possible failure mode should be a return to non ABS brakes, NOT a lock out resulting no brake.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 5
From: Central Calif
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,895
From: Oklahoma
Read the OP, the front lever wouldn't move until he made a "leak" at the connection going into the ABS module.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 689
Likes: 6
From: Glen Rose TX
I suggest that you buy the new $48 part that is needed not the used ebay part your considering looking for.
I suggest that you install the new part and flush the entire system, install new pads and bleed it.
I suggest you don't waste your time writing to the NHTSB and waste your time and theirs about a problem that you are likely responsible for since you don't know what the maintenance was prior to purchasing your 8 year old motorcycle.
I suggest that next time you buy a used motorcycle that you perform a full maintenance on it.. if you would have done that here you probably wouldn't be having the problem AND it would actually be time to do it again.
I suggest that you install the new part and flush the entire system, install new pads and bleed it.
I suggest you don't waste your time writing to the NHTSB and waste your time and theirs about a problem that you are likely responsible for since you don't know what the maintenance was prior to purchasing your 8 year old motorcycle.
I suggest that next time you buy a used motorcycle that you perform a full maintenance on it.. if you would have done that here you probably wouldn't be having the problem AND it would actually be time to do it again.
