Leaking brake fluid
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 805
Likes: 1
From: Rutledge, TN
Leaking brake fluid
I have a leak from my front brake master cylinder. It seems to beleaking from the cap. Is this a common problem? I'm thinking about going with the chrome one but I think back to the days when I replaced covers on my hot rods with chrome ones and they leaked badly.
Also, I'm going to have a set of switch covers painted and I dang sure don't want the brake fluid on the paint so I have to get it stopped. Wonder if the leak iswarrantable?
Also, I'm going to have a set of switch covers painted and I dang sure don't want the brake fluid on the paint so I have to get it stopped. Wonder if the leak iswarrantable?
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw GA
RE: Leaking brake fluid
my buddy had the same problem on his 07 softtail, service tech noticed it at on his regular serivce visit and told him it was a warenty issue and fixed it for free. i've been keeping a watch on mine, no leaks yet.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 805
Likes: 1
From: Rutledge, TN
RE: Leaking brake fluid
ORIGINAL: booboo
my buddy had the same problem on his 07 softtail, service tech noticed it at on his regular serivce visit and told him it was a warenty issue and fixed it for free. i've been keeping a watch on mine, no leaks yet.
my buddy had the same problem on his 07 softtail, service tech noticed it at on his regular serivce visit and told him it was a warenty issue and fixed it for free. i've been keeping a watch on mine, no leaks yet.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 513
Likes: 2
From: Coconut Creek, FL
RE: Leaking brake fluid
Mine leaked on my 07 RKC. I was more concerned with the brake fluid getting blown onto my tank and screwing up the paint. I immediately replaced the stock cover with a chrome one and new gasket; I haven't had any leakage since. I think it's a common problem but you'll never get the MoCo to own up to it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Leaking brake fluid
The gasket has a thin rubber bladder to prevent leakage and allow air space for the fluid when you realease pressure on the brake. The can develope pin hole leaks or small tears that allow fluid to escape thru the bleeder hole in the cap. Replacing the gasket should solve it.
Note: It happened to mine while riding in the middle of nowhere. I stopped at a gas station and bought a condom. I pulled the cap off, stretched the condom over the resevoir and gasket, centering the tip. Held the cover in place and carefully poked holes for the screws. Tightened the cover down, trimmed off the excessand rode on leakless. Didn't replace with the proper gasket until the next brake bleed was done.
Note: It happened to mine while riding in the middle of nowhere. I stopped at a gas station and bought a condom. I pulled the cap off, stretched the condom over the resevoir and gasket, centering the tip. Held the cover in place and carefully poked holes for the screws. Tightened the cover down, trimmed off the excessand rode on leakless. Didn't replace with the proper gasket until the next brake bleed was done.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
RE: Leaking brake fluid
mine leaked around 3500 miles on the bike and I did replace it with the chrome one.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
RE: Leaking brake fluid
ORIGINAL: I am Jerry
I have a leak from my front brake master cylinder. It seems to beleaking from the cap. Is this a common problem?
I have a leak from my front brake master cylinder. It seems to beleaking from the cap. Is this a common problem?
I own an '08 UC, and I noticed some seepage around the front brake master cylinder reservoir (I assume that's what you're referring to; if not, disregard).
I removed the cover, cleaned the gasket top and bottom, and put it back on, tightening it pretty tight. It didn't seal very well.
I again removed it, cleaned the brake fluid from the gasket, and put it back together, this time not tightening the two cover screws too tightly. Interestingly enough, I'm not seeing any more fluid seepage around the gasket now. My take is, those two screws don't need to be tightened too much to get a seal on the reservoir cover.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Louisiana
RE: Leaking brake fluid
Mine started leaking whenI was in the Smokies this fall. WhenI got home and took her in for her 5000 mile service, I told the tech about the leak and he said it was aknown issueand they change out several master brake cylinder caps a week.Warranty covered the issue and so far no more leaks..."D"
