Brake Fluid

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Jul 20, 2009 | 01:59 PM

nocages4me

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Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 393

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From: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Brake Fluid

I know HD recommends that you change and flush the brake system every 2 years. Do you guys actually do that? I have begun feeling a weird feel in the front brakes. Pads are fine etc... So I am wondering if this is related.

Jul 20, 2009 | 02:01 PM

kingofsand21

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Joined: May 2009

Posts: 499

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From: Frederick, MD

definately could be. I just put new braided lines on front and new fluid made a difference for me.

Jul 20, 2009 | 02:53 PM

FastHoss

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 4,271

Likes: 29

From: Green Country,Oklahoma

Brake fluid will gather and retain water,needs to be changed out,not that big a deal.I would be willing to bet what you are feeling though,is warped rotors.

Jul 20, 2009 | 03:08 PM

Dr.Hess

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 8,198

Likes: 3,087

From: NW AR

I recently changed the fluid in my rear brakes. For the first time, ever, at 75K miles and 23 years. My pedal was starting to be soft, and I'd have to pump it a few times if the bike sat a while (weeks), so I rebuilt the MC and caliper with new HD parts. This was the first time the system had been cracked. Actually, I did open the rear fluid resivoir about 20 years ago to note that everything was fine, buttoned it up and left it alone. That DoT 5 brake fluid is some magic stuff there. Everything looked excellent inside. No corrosion at all. Some slight wear. I think that air was actually leaking in at the rear brake line to caliper connection. I'm going to slowly change all my hydraulics over to DoT 5 whenever I rebuild a system. You guys stuck with DoT 4, too bad.