Brake fluid questions?
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 119
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Brake fluid questions?
I have an '06 Sportster 1200C with a little over 5K miles. I have noticed that the brakes feel spongy. I know that the brakes have never been serviced since the bike was new. I removed the cap on the rear brake master cylinder to see if the fluid level was low and it appeared to be a little low. I also noticed that the brake fluid was clear amber color. Any service information that I have read, states that only DOT 5 fluid should be used, because this is silicone based and other fluids are glycol based. The owner's manual cautions that glycol based brake fluid may cause damage to the brake system. DOT 5 brake fluid is purple, not amber. Does my bike have the wrong brake fluid in it? Was this done at the factory? Is this harmful to the brake system? Do I need to flush the brake lines? I would appreciate any advice.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
I believe recent Harleys have changed over to DOT4 from DOT5. You are wise to raise the question, as those two should not be mixed! Harley's own DOT5 is indeed a blue/purple colour, but I am not sure all DOT5 is. Be aware that there is also DOT5.1, which should also not be mixed with DOT5.
It is possible the blue fluid changes colour when it gets old? May be worth calling your local dealer and asking about colours, also to confirm if your bike should use DOT5.
Certainly bleeding your system and flushing out the old fluid with new should restore your brakes.
It is possible the blue fluid changes colour when it gets old? May be worth calling your local dealer and asking about colours, also to confirm if your bike should use DOT5.
Certainly bleeding your system and flushing out the old fluid with new should restore your brakes.
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