Topic: Brake line (Read 8554 times)

Special_Ed · « **on:** August 05, 2006, 02:33:19 PM »

Has anybody had the brake line darken out like this one? It works fine, only has abouit 500 miles on it. I was wondering if is leaking under the covering. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Ed [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Gettinold · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2006, 06:26:44 PM »

ED
I BELEIVE THATS CAUSED FROM HEAT & SUN UV. THERES A PLASTIC COVERING OVER THOSE CABLES & ITS CHEMICAL REACTION WITH THE S/S LINE & PLASTIC. MY 2 CENTS. DOUBLE CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVEL. SIGHT GLASS SHOULD BE DARK IN COLOR.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2006, 08:13:32 AM »

Gettin',
Thanks for the info. Checked the fluid level and it seems fine. Needless to say the discoloration bugs me. I'd be surprised if it was caused by UV, I haven't had the bike out that much, but we'll see.
Thanks,
Ed

justgary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2006, 11:01:56 AM »

Went out and looked at Teresa's and it doesnt look like that. She has about the same miles you have on yours. I'll be keeping an eye on it though.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2006, 03:47:47 PM »

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Went out and looked at Teresa's and it doesnt look like that.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2006, 06:34:34 PM »

Ed, I'm no expert, but I think those lines are basically clearcoated, and UV light would tend to make something like that become opaque, I would think. I would be suspicious about this and keep a close eye...it almost appears that the line might be "weeping" through the braided stainless, but can't "get out" because of the clearcoat. All it would take is a very, very tiny leak in the underlying hose to seep into the braided stainless. There's a lot of pressure there and it might just be a defective line. [smiley=nervous.gif]

I don't think it would ever burst, but the fluid leaking through the braided is not a good sign.

amigo Jorge · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2006, 07:26:21 PM »

Mine is ok after 3436 miles......

Jorge

rts · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2006, 07:30:50 PM »

The break line on my VRSCSE2 still looks perfect at 2500 miles.

What did your dealer say about yours?

Jock · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2006, 09:34:23 PM »

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Has anybody had the brake line darken out like this one? It works fine, only has abouit 500 miles on it. I was wondering if is leaking under the covering. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Ed

No issues on my end...have you spoken with the dealer regarding replacement?

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2006, 10:12:31 PM »

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Ed, I'm no expert, but I think those lines are basically clearcoated, and UV light would tend to make something like that become opaque, I would think.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2006, 10:29:42 PM »

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Ed, I'm no expert, but I think those lines are basically clearcoated, and UV light would tend to make something like that become opaque, I would think.

Jock · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2006, 10:32:38 PM »

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One good thing about stainless lines is that they don't break. They will leak like hell but I have never seen one break.

Been there, GOT that on the Chopper...Agreed.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2006, 04:27:28 PM »

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No issues on my end...have you spoken with the dealer regarding replacement?

I have made a phone call to the dealer and talked with the General Manager. I explained what was happening and what my thoughts were, fluid weeping into the braid. He didn't think the MOCO would replace it if it was just a color change. I'm dropping the bike off for service in two weeks and he said he look at it but couldn't be sure.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2006, 04:30:09 PM »

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I was totally wrong about the line being clear coated...the other ones are, but that one does have the platic "sleeve" over it...I still think it might be a very tiny leak that has discolored the line...does it seem to be on the braided, or on the sleeve?

Terry,
It seems to be on the braid under the plastic, almost as though the sleeve is filling with fluid. My guess is that you're right it is very slow but the fluid is migrating from under the compression connection.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2006, 04:31:44 PM »

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Terry the lines are covered in plastic not clear coat. As far as the fluid leaking out and damaging the paint. If it is dot 5 it won't, most bikes (05 or 06 I think) have dot 4 fluid. The line looks like it is leaking and is a warranty problem. Take the bike back to the dealer to have it replaced.

One good thing about stainless lines is that they don't break. They will leak like hell but I have never seen one break.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Dawg,
Thanks for the info on the fluid, Glad to hear it won't ruin the paint if it did get to the point of leaking.
Ed

grc · « **Reply #15 on:** August 08, 2006, 05:24:41 PM »

Ed,

Check your manual (or the info on the master cylinder cover) for the type of brake fluid.

justgary · « **Reply #16 on:** August 08, 2006, 05:32:53 PM »

Ed
   I believe I would demand a replacement. If this is a weaping issue I would imagine it is only a matter of time before you have a brake line failure. With as little miles as you have on the bike there shouldnt be any leaking, dripping, weaping, or draining of any kind. Even if they are saying this is only a cosmetic issue, as much as we pay for these bikes, we should not have to deal with cosmetic flaws. That is of course IMHO. Good luck, I hope it all works out for you.
   Have a great one and ride safe
   Gary

Special_Ed · « **Reply #17 on:** August 08, 2006, 05:33:59 PM »

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Ed,

Check your manual (or the info on the master cylinder cover) for the type of brake fluid.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #18 on:** August 08, 2006, 05:41:30 PM »

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Ed

Special_Ed · « **Reply #19 on:** August 09, 2006, 07:44:23 AM »

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Ed,

Check your manual (or the info on the master cylinder cover) for the type of brake fluid.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #20 on:** August 09, 2006, 02:55:44 PM »

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Jerry,
Checked the manual and the bike uses DOT 5 fluid which makes me feel better about the paint worries.
Ed

I thought so!!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

justgary · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2006, 10:50:26 PM »

Ed
  I hope they do the wright thing and replace it quickly for you. Let us know how it all turns out.
   Have a great one and Ride safe
   Gary

Special_Ed · « **Reply #22 on:** August 23, 2006, 02:35:08 PM »

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Ed

Jock · « **Reply #23 on:** August 23, 2006, 04:28:02 PM »

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Dropped the bike off last night for service. Talked with the General Manager this afternoon. He had already ordered the replacement front brake line.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #24 on:** August 23, 2006, 05:48:50 PM »

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Dropped the bike off last night for service. Talked with the General Manager this afternoon. He had already ordered the replacement front brake line.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #25 on:** August 24, 2006, 03:33:13 AM »

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Glad to hear it won't ruin the paint if it did get to the point of leaking.
Ed

Is your V-Rod filled with DOT4 or DOT5 fluid.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #26 on:** August 24, 2006, 07:48:57 AM »

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Good deal, Ed...glad to hear they fixed you up!! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Special_Ed · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2006, 07:54:53 AM »

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Is your V-Rod filled with DOT4 or DOT5 fluid.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2006, 08:26:37 AM »

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Don,
[highlight]Talking with the mechanic about the fluid he was surprised that they use DOT 5 in the V-rod[/highlight]. He liked the idea, he felt it was much easier to handle around the paint and that there wasn't a need to stay with the DOT 4. His opinion, I'm just glad it didn't damage the paint and they replaced the brake line without any problems.
Ed

It is in the manual. DOT 5 only in the V rod models. You know they need to keep the fluid working when the brakes heat up on those rockets!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Special_Ed · « **Reply #29 on:** August 24, 2006, 08:49:25 AM »

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It is in the manual. DOT 5 only in the V rod models. You know they need to keep the fluid working when the brakes heat up on those rockets!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

I here you Dawg, that's one of the reasons I made sure to swing the conversation with him to the type of fluid. Just as a friendly reminder. They don't work on V's every day so I wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

Ed

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:27:20 PM »

They must have switched back to DOT 4 in '06...mine's got 4 on the reservoir cap...

Twolanerider · « **Reply #31 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:34:31 PM »

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They must have switched back to DOT 4 in '06...mine's got 4 on the reservoir cap...

One year's difference on a fluid variation across a variance of several different models. Anyone want to bet how many kids in service department don't know anything beyond "brake fluid" and how many holes have been topped off with the wrong stuff?

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #32 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:37:35 PM »

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Terry,
No new trinkets this time. I did find a good price on the SE slip-ons but held off with vacation next week figured I better wait. I think that's going to be my early Christmas present to myself though.
Ed

You'll like the sound they give you, not to mention an increase in performance. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Santa needs to come before it gets too cold to ride up there...

Twolanerider · « **Reply #33 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:38:50 PM »

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I here you Dawg, that's one of the reasons I made sure to swing the conversation with him to the type of fluid. Just as a friendly reminder. They don't work on V's every day so I wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

Ed

The really good synthetic DOT4s are pretty good in that regard too. Silicone is a little better; that's true. And quite frankly I wish my bike had it in it. But having worked with the stuff and how difficult it can be to get bled out sometimes I can understand a manufacturer's desire not to have to deal with it over and over and over again day after day. Of course anything with ABS can't use it anyway. But Harley doesn't believe we're valued enough as consumers to worry with needling little safety additions like ABS anyway.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #34 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:12:20 PM »

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They must have switched back to DOT 4 in '06...mine's got 4 on the reservoir cap...

Terry,
I feel even better now that I mentioned the DOT 5 to the mechanic! I didn't realize the change back to DOT 4 on the 06's.

Ed

Special_Ed · « **Reply #35 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:15:20 PM »

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One year's difference on a fluid variation across a variance of several different models.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #36 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:21:39 PM »

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Don,
That does make me a little nervous. Makes me uncomfortable when they change back and forth like that. I'd prefer they'd "Keep it Simple". Is there that big performance difference between 4 & 5?

Ed

Ed, the important differences are the higher boiling point of silicone based fluids, that they won't hurt paint and that they entrain air in the liquid. Short of boiling the fluid you and me as drivers won't "feel" any difference in the pedal. We're just not that finely calibrated. I know of a couple of old car buddies who have made the jump from DOT3 or 4, flushed systems, etc etc etc and went to DOT5. Some swore they could "feel" a difference. Mental gymastics to justify the efforts. It (DOT5) really is good stuff. It can just be a real pain to work with.

Special_Ed · « **Reply #37 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:31:33 PM »

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You'll like the sound they give you, not to mention an increase in performance. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Special_Ed · « **Reply #38 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:32:52 PM »

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Ed, the important differences are the higher boiling point of silicone based fluids, that they won't hurt paint and that they entrain air in the liquid.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #39 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:45:49 PM »

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You're right about that but have to keep the little woman happy too.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #40 on:** August 25, 2006, 07:32:15 AM »

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Ed, the important differences are the higher boiling point of silicone based fluids, that they won't hurt paint and that they entrain air in the liquid.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #41 on:** August 25, 2006, 07:34:00 AM »

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They must have switched back to DOT 4 in '06...mine's got 4 on the reservoir cap...

Terry thats what we have been saying all along. I don't like it but the MOCO does. I think it has something to do with $$$$$$$$. I think a lot of jap bikes also use dot 4 as of now.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #42 on:** August 25, 2006, 07:35:24 AM »

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[highlight]One year's difference on a fluid variation across a variance of several different models. Anyone want to bet [/highlight]how many kids in service department don't know anything beyond "brake fluid" and how many holes have been topped off with the wrong stuff?

Not me!!!!!! I will bet you are right. I think the change should have been made all across the board.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Special_Ed · « **Reply #43 on:** August 25, 2006, 09:10:16 AM »

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Yep...part of the Fine Arts is how to maintain a balance between our "fixes" for Chrome, toys, etc, and keeping the woman happy at the same time[highlight]...it's a delicate balance and in a constant state of flux...some women run DOT 3 and some DOT 5, so their boiling points are different too.... [/highlight]

Holy Chit !!! How true is that!!!!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #44 on:** August 26, 2006, 03:27:21 AM »

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AHHHH GRASSHOPPER you need to know chineese secret for bleeding with DOT 5. It is very easy to work with in my opinion. But that is just my opinion. I prefer dot 5.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Mike, I've had good luck with the stuff and use it in the old Vette, Tbird and El Camino.

Author Topic: Brake line (Read 8554 times)