Brake fluid
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Falls, NY
RE: Brake fluid
Let me chime in and clarify here, DOT 5 is silicon based and was in non-abs models until '05 or '06. Do not ever use DOT 5 in a ABS system or add it to a system that had dot 3 or 4 in it. DOT 3 is a fluid that has a boiling point of 350 degrees. DOT 4 has very similar chemical compostion as DOT 3 but has a higher boiling point of 450 deg. There is a new spec DOT 5.5 that has an even higher boiling point. DOT 3,4,5.5 are interchange able as long as you flush the system with new fluid I have added to my car DOT 4 while still having dot 3 in there. BTW all but DOT 5 is very hydroscopic, meaning it takes in moisture. You should flush it every 2 years on a HD. Using dot 3 cannot wreak seals for it is the same chemical properties as DOT 4, and 5.5.
Try NAPA part # 45-012 forpint 45-032 for quart of dot 4.
Try NAPA part # 45-012 forpint 45-032 for quart of dot 4.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
RE: Brake fluid
ORIGINAL: bdeuce
Book calls for dot 4 brake fluid,but all I can find is dot 3 an 4 Valoline makes it.
Book calls for dot 4 brake fluid,but all I can find is dot 3 an 4 Valoline makes it.
WTF does "all I can find is dot 3 an 4 Valoline makes it" mean?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Illinois
RE: Brake fluid
Just look at the top of the master and it is printed right on there. Like others have said do not mix.
I think 2000-05 as well for the dot 5 depending on the model.
I had new Vibram soles added to my old engineer boots since I can't find them just incase of brake failure!
I think 2000-05 as well for the dot 5 depending on the model.
I had new Vibram soles added to my old engineer boots since I can't find them just incase of brake failure!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: Brake fluid
I dont know where you live, but ANY auto parts joint or a Wal-Mart......a good super market even......should have DOT4 and DOT3 on the shelf. I can understand some places not having DOT5......but....I'm just saying.
If you seriously cant find it in a corner auto parts store....then go down to the Harley dealer and buy a bottle. You will not need all that much, and so you will not be spending too much more than you would have in a auto parts place......plus then you can say you even use H-D brake fluid!
Whatever you do dont get lazy and decide to just use the DOT3......its not worth the thought of potential problems bouncing around in the back of your mind.
If you seriously cant find it in a corner auto parts store....then go down to the Harley dealer and buy a bottle. You will not need all that much, and so you will not be spending too much more than you would have in a auto parts place......plus then you can say you even use H-D brake fluid!
Whatever you do dont get lazy and decide to just use the DOT3......its not worth the thought of potential problems bouncing around in the back of your mind.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 5
From: Biddeford, Maine
RE: Brake fluid
ORIGINAL: tgaetto
I think 2000-05 as well for the dot 5 depending on the model.
I think 2000-05 as well for the dot 5 depending on the model.
How often should the brake fluid be changed, is there a recommended service point where you should flush the system with fresh fluid?
Steve
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Falls, NY
RE: Brake fluid
Well, I went through my new '07 srvice manual, grant it it was a quick look, but I did not see any interval for brake fluid change, but I can tell you this, no mater where you live dot 3/4 is hydroscopic. You will gain moisture in the system over time. If you do notthing you can rust out the system from the inside out, grant it it will take many years, but still none the less. Plus the ability to stop will lenghten over time as well. It is proven in the automotive field. I personally will do it every 2 years. That is until I switch out the OE system and go to 6 piston and switch back to dot 5 silicon.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 2
From: Florida
RE: Brake fluid
Per my service manuals:
2001 FLHT DOT 5
2005 FLHTCI DOT 4
Topic originator is from Lynn, Mass - a big city. Can't believe they don't have any auto parts store or WalMart with Dot 4.
[sm=WTFsgign.gif]
2001 FLHT DOT 5
2005 FLHTCI DOT 4
Topic originator is from Lynn, Mass - a big city. Can't believe they don't have any auto parts store or WalMart with Dot 4.
[sm=WTFsgign.gif]