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[Steve_G]

My service manual is not helpful. 
What size wrench for the bleeder?  (Looks like a 6mm?) Or is it a "special" wrench?
What size hose for a vacuum pump?  (1/4"?)
I'm hoping I can do this without taking the line off.  Can't even get info from my local HD dealer in Rapid.
Is this something I should just pay the dealer to do?  This service has never been done since the bike was new.

[Twolanerider]

You're thinking about this way too much. 

I think that bleeder screw is 5/16".  If my memory is faulty though it's no big deal.  Just lay a few wrenches on it until you find the one that fits.  Not a big deal. 

Same thing with a piece of rubber line.  1/4" line will probably work fine.  But if it doesn't fit snug get the next size down.

You can either use a (low and slow) vacuum pump to pull until you see clean fluid or you can pump it through from the top end.  Either way works just fine. 

If sucking it through make certain you never let the reservoir up top go empty.  If you do you'll be bleeding it from scratch.  That's why you suck slowly, so you can add fluid as needed.

If pumping it through squeeze the lever, open the bleeder, close the bleeder, release the lever.  Repeat that process until fresh fluid shows up at the bottom end.  If you get air in the system bleed it the same way but pump four or five times, then open the bleeder, close the bleeder, release the lever and repeat.

[Steve_G]

Thanks for the reply.  The bleeder is way smaller than 5/16ths.  My 6mm seems about right, so I'm going to try and get 'er done.  Just have to get an adapter for my Mityvac.  I have the 1/4" tubing.
Thanks for the encouragement- I was about ready to haul it 50 miles to Rapid City!

[Twolanerider]

Thanks for the reply.  The bleeder is way smaller than 5/16ths.  My 6mm seems about right, so I'm going to try and get 'er done.  Just have to get an adapter for my Mityvac.  I have the 1/4" tubing.
Thanks for the encouragement- I was about ready to haul it 50 miles to Rapid City!

These are a really simple little hydraulic circuit.  Nothing at all to be worried about for pushing a little fluid through.  It's just a one beer job !

[hdbrad03]

Cover the Bike because Brake Fluid and Paint have an Adverse Reaction your not going to like!


 


    Brad

[Fired00d]

Didn't they change from one brake fluid to another (DOT 4 to DOT 5 or something like that) and isn't one of them more paint "friendly". Also which year was that change?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Steve_G]

I got the S.O.B. (stupid old bike) done!  Only lost one screw.  Thank God the local hardware store had them on hand!!
Time for a double scotch and soda.  Also glad I covered the paint up.  (Don't ask).
Time to do the brakes again and I'll be caught up for a while.
Thank you once more Twolanerider.

Steve

[Steve_G]

Didn't they change from one brake fluid to another (DOT 4 to DOT 5 or something like that) and isn't one of them more paint "friendly". Also which year was that change?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I use DOT 4.  I'm not sure when they changed.  I'm sorry I had stocked up on the stuff as the shelf life-unopened -
Is only 1 year. The DOT 4 is the bad stuff for paint & chrome.

[Fired00d]

I use DOT 4.  I'm not sure when they changed.  I'm sorry I had stocked up on the stuff as the shelf life-unopened -
Is only 1 year. The DOT 4 is the bad stuff for paint & chrome.

Just looked in my owners manual and mine (2004 FLHTCSE) is calling for DOT 5 for hydrualic clutch.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grc]

Just looked in my owners manual and mine (2004 FLHTCSE) is calling for DOT 5 for hydrualic clutch.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

2005 model calls for DOT 4, as do all the following model years.  DOT 5 is paint friendly, but it has other issues with entrained air, etc.   When in doubt, the correct fluid type should be printed on the master cylinder cover.  I think the OP has a 2008 model, so that is definitely DOT 4.

Jerry

[Fired00d]

2005 model calls for DOT 4, as do all the following model years.  DOT 5 is paint friendly, but it has other issues with entrained air, etc.   When in doubt, the correct fluid type should be printed on the master cylinder cover.  I think the OP has a 2008 model, so that is definitely DOT 4.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry... I knew there was a change year and (other  related) issues with DOT 5. Good point about when in doubt check the master cylinder cover.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Steve_G]

I had just spent about 20 minutes trying to send a reply and when I hit "spell Check" I lost my Internet connection.
I just spent the last 20 minutes with tech support to get restored!
Anyway, my 1/4" wrench was a very loose fit and my 6mm wrench got stuck on the bleeder.
There wasn't room for enough "swing" on the wrench to properly open and close the bleeder because of exhaust (stock) interference.  I'm wondering if it takes an 11/32" or so odd-ball wrench.
Plus, there was no rubber cover over the bleeder.  Aren't they all supposed to have one?
This job sucked!
One of those days I guess.  Time for a double.

[Twolanerider]

Glad to read you got it done.  Sounds like maybe with a burp or two.  But nothing a good stiff beverage couldn't get you finished with !

[Steve_G]

Glad to read you got it done.  Sounds like maybe with a burp or two.  But nothing a good stiff beverage couldn't get you finished with !

Thanks man,
The guy who plays bass guitar with me always calls it a beverage.  I likes it!
-Enjoying one as I type. 

[ultrafxr]

Not at home right now to check but pretty sure it is 6mm.  I know for sure it is metric - no doubt about that.