Why does HD have such issues with leaky Master Cylinder
The lid and gasket come as an assembly. Cant just buy a gasket. Any Service manual will give you the correct torque specs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
It could be that you are like me and have "the curse". Anything that I work on that is fluid related is guarenteed to leak when I am through with it. Heck, I even spill my beer when I take the cap off.
A few precautions on master cylinders:
Make sure that when the handlebars are rotated all the way to the left the master cylinder is level. If not, rotate the brake lever until it is.
The cap may only go on one way. It's like that on my bike.
Don't overtighten the screws.
Don't let the gasket get sloppy wet before putting it on.
Don't overfill the cylinder.
If it leaks when you are done with it (ok, WHEN it leaks) be comforted in the knowledge that you did everything you could and put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands from being soaked in brake fluid.
A few precautions on master cylinders:
Make sure that when the handlebars are rotated all the way to the left the master cylinder is level. If not, rotate the brake lever until it is.
The cap may only go on one way. It's like that on my bike.
Don't overtighten the screws.
Don't let the gasket get sloppy wet before putting it on.
Don't overfill the cylinder.
If it leaks when you are done with it (ok, WHEN it leaks) be comforted in the knowledge that you did everything you could and put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands from being soaked in brake fluid.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Monkey Island
Okay, I trade my bikes in often for new or used HD's. And enjoy HD's like so many of you. I've had pretty good luck with my bikes over the years. BUT it seems I just can't get away from those front Leaky Master Cylinders. I just picked up a 09 Road King, yup, leaky front cover. The bike only has 1000 miles on it so it's just like new. I cant's get over the bikes I've had where I return to the dealership with a leaky front MC and get a new gasket or lid or sometimes even both. I'm thinking most of my friends have the same issues on there HD's. I know MANY of you have these issues as well. NOW...... Here is where I get pissy... Before I jumped onto Harley's many years ago I was a Yamaha guy. NEVER in all the Yamahas did I have did I experience a leaky front MC. I have many friends that still ride Yamahas as well as Hondas and no issues. WHY is it that HD seems to have such issues with what seems to be a pretty simple gasket and lid.?.
Okay, I'm done ranting.... Off to the dealership tomorrow to see if I get a new gasket, lid or both..
T
Okay, I'm done ranting.... Off to the dealership tomorrow to see if I get a new gasket, lid or both..
T
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
CRAZY!!! Something so simple shouldn't have soooo many issues!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
BTW, the rear MC lid is now plastic because of this issue probably.
lp
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 25
have never ever had any of these problems on any of my bikes.until....i got my 2006 flhri this past spring. previous owner had a chrome cover on the front cylinder. it was the wrong cover-stated the wrong fluid. i put the correct stock one on and it started seeping. i backed off of the torque a bit and it is now dry. just sucks that the only ones that i have seen seep are dot4 which is the one that peels the paint.
head
head
Banned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 2
From: Dirty Jersey
X2. I have seen guys run a wrist sweatband and a rubber band around the front master. New gasket, new cover, still leaked.