Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[bakon]

I know the scan tool is preferable to open the actuators in the ABS module but any tricks to changing the brake fluid at home with reasonable amount of hand tools?  New issue of HOG recommend changing fluid every two years....at Dealer of course.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eharleytechtalk%2Eorg%2Fhtt%2Findex%2Ephp%3Ftopic%3D95227%2Emsg1103715%23msg1103715&share_tid=95227&share_fid=14909&share_type=t&share_pid=1103715

[OBB]

I know the scan tool is preferable to open the actuators in the ABS module but any tricks to changing the brake fluid at home with reasonable amount of hand tools?  New issue of HOG recommend changing fluid every two years....at Dealer of course.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eharleytechtalk%2Eorg%2Fhtt%2Findex%2Ephp%3Ftopic%3D95227%2Emsg1103715%23msg1103715&share_tid=95227&share_fid=14909&share_type=t&share_pid=1103715

I believe the service manual and/or owners manual also recommends it every two years.

I used a Mighty Vac on my '11 without issues. Just keep an eye on the reservoir as they are very small and empty quick.

[grc]

The emphasis lately on the two year fluid change has to do with all the ABS pump failures Harley is being sued over.  It seems cheap ABS pump parts tend to seize up when they corrode, and Harley is blaming moisture in the fluid.

With that in mind, I'd think you might want to actually do the complete change which will require activating the ABS system.  If you prefer not to do so, then as long as you don't allow any air into the system while draining and filling, either with a pressure bleeder or a vacuum system, you should be OK but just be aware Harley won't stand behind their cheap parts if you don't do it the prescribed way.

Jerry

[bloper123]

I just had mine changed at the Harley shop ,  they changed mine out with Digital machine and each line to the caliber was drained and all lines flushed , done a good job . The clutch fluid was really dirty and dark colored alone with the front brake fluid dark colored , I wanted to see the fluid as it was being drained out, glad I had it done know. Don't have to worry about it for a long time know.  We have to worry about the other driver to much to be thinking about our brakes not working correctly.  My Cost was $185. , it took them about 1.5 hours to complete the job.

[Road Dad]

Nothing new that brake fluid should be changed every two years, it does absorb moisture.

[dayne66]

Porsche club used to require it be done with-in 90 days to participate in any 'race' events.

[Twolanerider]

The emphasis lately on the two year fluid change has to do with all the ABS pump failures Harley is being sued over.  It seems cheap ABS pump parts tend to seize up when they corrode, and Harley is blaming moisture in the fluid.

With that in mind, I'd think you might want to actually do the complete change which will require activating the ABS system.  If you prefer not to do so, then as long as you don't allow any air into the system while draining and filling, either with a pressure bleeder or a vacuum system, you should be OK but just be aware Harley won't stand behind their cheap parts if you don't do it the prescribed way.

Jerry

That sort of "bypass flush and change" is only a band-aid though Jerry.  With the failures being within the pump housings if that isn't flushed the owner might be making himself feel better for the effort; but the actual benefit on the road would be nearly nil.

[bakon]

Thanks for info but wanting to flush myself. Feeling good and having Dealer charge 185 wouldn't be in the same sentence from me.

I know they can do it.
Guess they might have us trapped on this to pay and get the ABS unit flushed too. But still think a vacuum flush should change 99 percent of fluid.
Guessing though.

[OBB]

Thanks for info but wanting to flush myself. Feeling good and having Dealer charge 185 wouldn't be in the same sentence from me.

I know they can do it.
Guess they might have us trapped on this to pay and get the ABS unit flushed too. But still think a vacuum flush should change 99 percent of fluid.
Guessing though.

Same thought I had when I did my '11. If it goes in the front and comes out the back, it went the whole way through the whole system. Whether it was brake fluid or a slice of pizza, same concept.

[BillH]

That sort of "bypass flush and change" is only a band-aid though Jerry.  With the failures being within the pump housings if that isn't flushed the owner might be making himself feel better for the effort; but the actual benefit on the road would be nearly nil.

Thanks Don! I was feeling pretty good after doing the "driveway flush and change" on my '08 until I read your take on it! Seriously, does anyone know for a fact if the flush and change actually replaces the fluid in the ABS unit? Maybe going through some ABS cycles on a straight flat stretch of road would cycle the fluid in the pump?? It would appear that since the ABS unit is no longer available, the alternative if the unit fails is to re-plumb to standard non-abs brakes. A couple of brake lines and you'd be back on the road...

[timo482]

independent auto shops can flush abs car modules - eventually they should be able to do harley modules.. i hope anyway

[grc]

independent auto shops can flush abs car modules - eventually they should be able to do harley modules.. i hope anyway

Independents already have the capability to follow and use the Harley prescribed method, if they buy a scan tool with that capability.  Daytona Twin-Tech has had one on the market for some time now, and I wouldn't be surprised to find others out there as well.

http://www.daytona-twintec.com/products_diagnostic.html

Jerry

[FlaHeatWave]

Techno Research has the capability.

[Twolanerider]

Independents already have the capability to follow and use the Harley prescribed method, if they buy a scan tool with that capability.  Daytona Twin-Tech has had one on the market for some time now, and I wouldn't be surprised to find others out there as well.

http://www.daytona-twintec.com/products_diagnostic.html

Jerry

...and the little Daytona tool works very well.

[bakon]

Bleeding ABS without Harley Scan Tool

So I read the manual on how to bleed brakes. Step 1 is use a vacuum bleeder but if you don't have one follow directions below. Those directions use the old pump it up and crack the bleeder until clean fluid and no air bubbles pass. Next step is hook up the Harley scan tool and activate the ABS. Never instructed to bleed again. So I wonder if Dealer is vacuum bleeding, do they activate the ABS and bleed more or just circulate some fluid after bleeding is done?