Brake Fluid question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 6,342
From: pacific northwest
On the Limited I first flushed the fluid, then took the bike on a slick road and slammed on the brakes to operate the abs then flushed again, figure that got some change of fluid in the abs module. The models with RDRS you can also cycle the abs by cycling the hill hold numerous times but am still looking for a reasonable priced controller to do it all at one time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 6,342
From: pacific northwest
Here's one for sale right here in our "Classifieds",,,,,,,,,,,, Plus there are others out there.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/multi...h-utility.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/multi...h-utility.html
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
My 14 Touring FSM makes no mention of activating the ABS module when flushing the brake fluid. As mentioned, it does when bleeding the brake fluid. As @barneyboy stated, this all changed after the ABS recall and all FSMs since then include the new procedure.
I will continue to flush my brakes as I always have, by following my 14 FSM.
I will continue to flush my brakes as I always have, by following my 14 FSM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 131
Likes: 64
From: Cleveland
On the Limited I first flushed the fluid, then took the bike on a slick road and slammed on the brakes to operate the abs then flushed again, figure that got some change of fluid in the abs module. The models with RDRS you can also cycle the abs by cycling the hill hold numerous times but am still looking for a reasonable priced controller to do it all at one time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
If HD's digital technician is anything like most aftermarket devices, it wouldn't be necessary to include written step by step procedures in the FSM as the step by step procedures are provided via the device's onscreen prompts.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 131
Likes: 64
From: Cleveland
But that hold assist mentioned earlier from mrfreeze57 might work for the time being until aftermarket scan tools become available for my bike. It does operate through the abs so the only question is whether both brakes are operated with the hold assist or just one set. Can't find any info on that, but should be easy to test to find out. Appreciate the thought on that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Not with ABS....
Silicone brake fluid, DOT 5, was used in Harleys from around 1974 until the first ABS Harley models debuted in 2005(?).....
I have it in my '01 and '03... Had it in my older HD bikes too...
The DOT 5 fluid does not play well with ABS systems. It's prone to form and hold micro-bubbles when agitated, the ABS modules can cause this phenomenon, leading to soft, spongy brakes..
When the first Police Models got ABS around '05-'06, Haeley switched the whole fleet back to DOT 4, so no confusion would happen between models. I believe the rest of the line got ABS as an option around '07 or '08..
While DOT 5 fluid is not hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) so it's boiling temps won't degrade as quickly as DOT 4 in the presence of moisture.... the brake systems running with DOT 5 can still have moisture in the systems, that will lead to corrosion of internal components. It may not be as prevalent in a large system like a car or truck, but on small system like a motorcycle, it can cause issues.
I didn't flush the fluid on my 2003 Heritage that I bought new, w/DOT 5 , for about 9 years. When I did, the fluid was pretty nasty.... and there was the beginning of some corrosion inside the master cylinder... that's 9 years in dry, warm SoCal....
I flush my ABS bikes every 2 years, and my DOT 5 bikes about every 3 or 4... The fluid really doesn't cost that much...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
if you look at your fsm for your other vehicles, there is probably some mention about changing the brake fluid at some periodic interval. i know that for my 2016 gmc sierra, it is recommended. can't remember if it's 2 or 3 years. but, i used my moisture meter and checked and the fluid in my truck is registering as less than 1% moisture, so i'm gonna let it go a little longer.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 131
Likes: 64
From: Cleveland
if you look at your fsm for your other vehicles, there is probably some mention about changing the brake fluid at some periodic interval. i know that for my 2016 gmc sierra, it is recommended. can't remember if it's 2 or 3 years. but, i used my moisture meter and checked and the fluid in my truck is registering as less than 1% moisture, so i'm gonna let it go a little longer.
What is troubling is the fact that the moco specs this in the FSM, but provides no way for anyone to do this at home. All the aftermarket scan tool set ups recommended here stop for 2020+ bikes, and most aren't set up for the new windows os. I have found some options, but only on the likes of amazon. Messing with the canbus and ecu system, I would prefer to have a more reputable source. I am just surprised there aren't more options.