BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: MONTGOMERY,AL.
BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
CALLING ALL EXPERTS. I cannot find anything in the owners manual or service manual that states when brake fluid should be changed. Does anyone know?My lever comes almost to the grip and I am concerned that if I really have to lean on it hard for and emergency stop that I wont have the necessary clearance to brake hard by getting enough pressure through the system. I know I have plenty of pad left. Gonna bleed to check for air since I feel some spongyness. Dealer is trying to convince me to convert to the better 06 DOT 4 system which involves rebuilding the calipers and master cylinder and comes to near $500.00. ANY IDEAS?? I am heading out to Harleys HOG WILD WEST IN Billings this next week and cant afford to gamble on brakes. THANKS GUYS. MACK
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
RE: BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
My '06 Touring manual states "Change D.O.T.4 and flush brake system every 2 years".
If it has been 2 yrs. or more I would do this,but sounds like fluid level is low or there is air in the system.
I'm pretty sure that dot3 & 4 are about the same,but I would use what is on the master cyl. cover.
If it has been 2 yrs. or more I would do this,but sounds like fluid level is low or there is air in the system.
I'm pretty sure that dot3 & 4 are about the same,but I would use what is on the master cyl. cover.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
RE: BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
i've never changed brake fluid in any vehicle i've ever owned. my 85 still has the original brake fluid from the factory. but if it makes you feel better feel free to change it. just my opinion but if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
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From:
RE: BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
My '04 FLTRI had the same symptom. Seems the pistons in the calipers need cleaning ocasionally. The service department cleaned mine up and all was perfect......nice and tight.
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Road Warrior
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Road Captain
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From: Citizen of the Republic of Texas, now in GA
RE: BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
Mack
With DOT 5 you don't need to worry about it mixing with water and contaminating the fluid. Water is heavier than the fluid so it goes to the bottom of the system. Occasionally you should run some fluid through to discharge that water. You can accomplish that discharge of water when bleeding the brakes by just bleeding more fluid through the system.
Bleeding the front brakes is not the easiest task. If you drain the fluid by pulling the banjo bolts in the callipers, you may want to fill it from the bottom up. See this link. http://www.moccsplace.com/images/bra...er/bleeder.htm It shows you how to fill from the bottom and minimize air in the system.
DO NOT USE DOT 4 IN A SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR DOT 5.
Ride safe.
With DOT 5 you don't need to worry about it mixing with water and contaminating the fluid. Water is heavier than the fluid so it goes to the bottom of the system. Occasionally you should run some fluid through to discharge that water. You can accomplish that discharge of water when bleeding the brakes by just bleeding more fluid through the system.
Bleeding the front brakes is not the easiest task. If you drain the fluid by pulling the banjo bolts in the callipers, you may want to fill it from the bottom up. See this link. http://www.moccsplace.com/images/bra...er/bleeder.htm It shows you how to fill from the bottom and minimize air in the system.
DO NOT USE DOT 4 IN A SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR DOT 5.
Ride safe.
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