Brake Fluid question
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
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From: Cleveland
Brake Fluid question
I was following another thread about renewing the brake fluid and the need to cycle the ABS pump to get all the fluid out, and that gave me a thought. No service manual I have read ever instructs to cycle the ABS during the brake bleeding process. I have FSMs for all my other vehicles except for my FLHT. None of the those ever mention the need to cycle the pump to flush and renew brake fluid. The books just walk you through the flushing procedure as everyone knows and is used to (with minor differences to account for brake boosters and such). The only time I ever was instructed by the FSM to cycle the ABS pump during the bleeding process was when I was installing the ABS pump after having it out of the bike for repair. Seems like the manufacturers aren't exactly telling their techs cycle the ABS during the two-year brake fluid renewal process so it's more of something that I only see online. Is this step even necessary or is it something along the lines of it can be done, so maybe it gets that extra 5 ounces out of the system (kind of like those that actually pump the new oil with the line disconnected to get all of the old oil out instead of just draining and refilling).
Does Harley's FSM include the step of cycling the ABS pump when flushing the brake fluid?
Does Harley's FSM include the step of cycling the ABS pump when flushing the brake fluid?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,766
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
I was following another thread about renewing the brake fluid and the need to cycle the ABS pump to get all the fluid out, and that gave me a thought. No service manual I have read ever instructs to cycle the ABS during the brake bleeding process. I have FSMs for all my other vehicles except for my FLHT. None of the those ever mention the need to cycle the pump to flush and renew brake fluid. The books just walk you through the flushing procedure as everyone knows and is used to (with minor differences to account for brake boosters and such). The only time I ever was instructed by the FSM to cycle the ABS pump during the bleeding process was when I was installing the ABS pump after having it out of the bike for repair. Seems like the manufacturers aren't exactly telling their techs cycle the ABS during the two-year brake fluid renewal process so it's more of something that I only see online. Is this step even necessary or is it something along the lines of it can be done, so maybe it gets that extra 5 ounces out of the system (kind of like those that actually pump the new oil with the line disconnected to get all of the old oil out instead of just draining and refilling).
Does Harley's FSM include the step of cycling the ABS pump when flushing the brake fluid?
Does Harley's FSM include the step of cycling the ABS pump when flushing the brake fluid?
"ABS models: Use DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650) and perform "ABS Service" procedure. (Quoted from my 2018 Touring Models FSM)
The only reason the Digital Technician would be required would be to cycle the ABS valves.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 216
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From: Edgewater, FL.
I found no reference to it in my manual 2011 SG. It also says nothing I could find about even flushing, only bleeding. I had a ABS module lock up a couple of years ago and then received a letter from HD about the requirement.
I have since flushed without the ABS cycle. Seems like the amount in the ABS could not be enough to cause a problem. As the moisture should only be absorbed when open near the master cylinder.
I have since flushed without the ABS cycle. Seems like the amount in the ABS could not be enough to cause a problem. As the moisture should only be absorbed when open near the master cylinder.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
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From: Cleveland
Not exactly in those words, but it does say this as Step 9 of the brake flushing procedure:
"ABS models: Use DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650) and perform "ABS Service" procedure. (Quoted from my 2018 Touring Models FSM)
The only reason the Digital Technician would be required would be to cycle the ABS valves.
"ABS models: Use DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650) and perform "ABS Service" procedure. (Quoted from my 2018 Touring Models FSM)
The only reason the Digital Technician would be required would be to cycle the ABS valves.
I found no reference to it in my manual 2011 SG. It also says nothing I could find about even flushing, only bleeding. I had a ABS module lock up a couple of years ago and then received a letter from HD about the requirement.
I have since flushed without the ABS cycle. Seems like the amount in the ABS could not be enough to cause a problem. As the moisture should only be absorbed when open near the master cylinder.
I have since flushed without the ABS cycle. Seems like the amount in the ABS could not be enough to cause a problem. As the moisture should only be absorbed when open near the master cylinder.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,075
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
Fun fact. Prior to 2018, the FSM didn't mention using the digital technician as part of a routine fluid flush. Along came the 2017 ABS recall that reportedly cost the MOCO nearly 30 million dollars. The procedure suddenly changed in the 2018 FSM. Coincidence?
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Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Near Yosemite
So, I'm unclear, or confused, as to how you were able to change out the whole ABS Unit and then bleed it WITHOUT cycling the unit with some sort of, (there are a few different ones), service tool plugged in. Evidently you must have been able to bleed it correctly because I assume they are working at the moment, yes?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
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From: Cleveland
So cover themselves from future liability and force owners to the dealer to get the service since no one really makes aftermarket, bilateral scan tools for a Harley. Sounds like a win/win for the moco and dealers.
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From: Near Yosemite
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/multi...h-utility.html
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
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From: Cleveland
So, I'm unclear, or confused, as to how you were able to change out the whole ABS Unit and then bleed it WITHOUT cycling the unit with some sort of, (there are a few different ones), service tool plugged in. Evidently you must have been able to bleed it correctly because I assume they are working at the moment, yes?