Front brake issues
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Vancouver B.C.
Front brake issues
My 2010 ultra classic has been put away for going on 3 months now. Generally I Fire it up once a week or so. Today I Fire it up and go to pull it out of the garage and the front brake lever goes right to the bar. Nothing there. A quick look around the bike and can’t see any fluid lose. I’m not familiar with the HD ABS system. Would a faulty module cause this? A closer inspection when the weather gets better will definitely need doing
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Vancouver B.C.
Quite cold. Below zero for a few weeks. Thanks Max. So what are you thinking? A new cover and gasket?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
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From: USA
Protect your paint! If fluid went around the master cylinder piston seal, it's going to leak out of the push rod end, where it has gathered.
And, it may be nothing. Mine, when it has sat for several weeks, may have a low lever when first applied. No fluid loss. My pet theory is long slow retraction of the caliper seals, slowly pulling the piston(s) further back than normal.
Last edited by foxtrapper; Jan 7, 2018 at 09:02 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Virginia
Good suggestion. If they are sticking, you'll get a soft brake lever.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Vancouver B.C.
thanks gents. the weather is horrible today so I dont feel like heading out to the garage. Will look after work tomorrow. I appreciate the help
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From: SW Ohio
Start with the easy thing first, pull the caliper bolts and calipers, remove the pads and clean the pistons before you push them all the way back in. I use non-chlorinated brake clean, a soft small brush and a piece of boot lace to get under the top of the pistons. Re-assemble and you should be good to go. If not, the master cylinder is next on the list.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
When was the last time the brake fluid was changed? I ask because if it has been a while you may have moisture in the system. If your garage is not heated then the moisture in the system could have frozen in the master cylinder and not allow the master cylinder seal to seal. You can check this by taking a hair dryer or heat gun (set on the lowest setting) and warm the master cylinder to see if you get any pressure back. If not; what the others have said. Brake fluid attracts moisture, what color is it when you look at the sight glass on the master cylinder. Good luck and report back.