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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: Eqcons on November 09, 2020, 01:31:06 PM

Title: Fluid change
Post by: Eqcons on November 09, 2020, 01:31:06 PM
Going to change the brake and clutch fluid on my 2014 FLHTKSE, and wondering:

1) What fluid - DOT4 or DOT5?
2) How much will I need to do the change of the brakes (inc ABS unit) and the clutch?

Jim
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: KGB on November 09, 2020, 07:15:35 PM
I use the OEM Dot 4 From Harley, I think the Dot 5 was only recommended for non ABS models 
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: Twolanerider on November 09, 2020, 08:55:40 PM
Never use DOT5 in an ABS equipped vehicle Jim.  The agitation from the ABS pump will entrain air bubbles in the fluid.
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: Eqcons on November 10, 2020, 04:44:35 AM
Thanks both, DOT4 it is then.

So - how much to completely change the brake and clutch fluids?  Is one bottle enough?

Jim
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: SIKBIRD on November 10, 2020, 07:03:00 AM
You are probably already aware of this but I think it’s important enough to repeat (just in case anyone reading this doesn’t know) DOT 4 brake fluid will eat the paint off anything it sits on for more than a few minutes!  I would cover everything even remotely close to the master cylinder with plastic before I even take the screws out of the cover. If one little drop lands on your tank and goes unnoticed your beautiful paint job is ruined. HD used DOT 5 in the older bikes and it was much less corrosive but I still cover everything when changing it because that stuff is like anti-seize, gets all over everything and you have no idea how!
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: Eqcons on November 10, 2020, 07:07:09 AM
Yep, I know that of old!  But thanks for the reminder!

Jim
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: deldago on November 10, 2020, 12:45:16 PM
I just changed both front calipers and the rear in addition to the clutch and a 16 ounce bottle worked with some left over. I used one of the syringe type changers and forced new fluid from the bleeder back into the master cylinder several times until the master cylinders looked just like the fluid coming out of the new bottle. Afterwards got the bike going about 30 and did several panic stops to activate the ABS to work the new fluid through. Yes it takes some nerve to purposely squeeze that front brake hard enough to activate the ABS! Starting out it was at about 4% water and after done it tested at 0%.
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: Eqcons on November 10, 2020, 12:50:25 PM
Thanks Deldago, 16 oz I'll look for.  I have an Android app to activate the ABS unit, so no drastic braking action will be required!  :)

Jim
Title: Re: Fluid change
Post by: timo482 on November 21, 2020, 12:13:38 PM
i failed to do proper brake fluid changes.. big mistake.  i ended up redoing the masters & calipers. lesson learned the manual says change the fluid & now i do.