BRAKE FLUID ISSUE....Please Read

taweste

UPDATE

After doing some research and with the help of some forum members, I came to the conclusion that when DOT4 and DOT5 brkae fluid is mixed, some people say flushing the system will be fine, some say a rebuild with a flush is necessary, and other suggest replacing the entire brake system.

I told the store manager this and said that all they were willing to do is flush the system. I was fine with that as long as he put it in writing that the proper remedy for such a problem would be too flush the system. He adamantly refused to put ANYTHING in writing. I said would trust his professional opinion, but I just wanted his remedy in writing. He continued to refuse to put anything in writing, and said that instead "he knew what I was up to" and would replace my rear brake system. He still refused to put anything in writing. I ended the conversation, frustrated that he would not stand by his word, but happy that the brake system would be replaced therefore eleminating any possible problems in the future.

About a week later they called and said my bike was finished and that I would have to pick it up (its about an hour drive). They refused to deliver my bike back even though they suggested to pick it up in the beginning, which they did. I agreed, and was actually happy to drive it home since it was a nice day and I hadnt had my bike in awhile.

When I got to the dealership, I quickly realized that they had NOT replaced the brake system. They rebuilt the caliper and master cylinder, and replaced the line. I was handed a reciept which stated that they did not test ride the bike, and that the bike had numerous safety issues. I asked the gentleman at the service counter if it was standard procedure to not test ride bikes, and give a bike back to a customer which has "numerouse safety issues." I informed him that I would be back to speak with the store manager AGAIN.

At this point I am going to send a letter to the appropriate authorities, the BBO, and Harley Corporate. I am filing a suit against the store manager in his individual capacity, since he is the one who began the negligence, and ensured I was not treated properly (the parts manager was very helpful, and the store manager is blaming him for promising to fix my bike), for the money it would cost to replace the rest of the system. I would have been happy if he would have told me what he was going to do, and put it in writing, not lie to me.

I am extremely angry with the general manager, after his honest employee tried to remedy the situation he lied and gave me a bike with "numerous safety issues."

Here is the address to the dealership. STAY AWAY, THEY ARE NOT RELIABLE!!!

Sheldon's Harley Davidson
914 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501

508-721-9876
The store managers name is Ed. He is the one who is lying and causing problems.

Shayne is the parts manager, he was very helpful and is being portrayed as the bad guy by Ed.

Please feel free to call the store and speak to Ed and vouch for Shayne. I really hope they don't try to discipline him for any of this. He is a genuinely honest individual. Or just call to state that you will not be using their service.

Thanks for your time in reading this, my number is 774-364-0659, please call me if you have any suggestions, or if you have ever had any similar situations. I will do all I can to ensure they dont do this to anyone else.

Thanks
Tim

Fisher

Honestly I'm sorry about your situation.Harley used DOT 5 from 72 up to very recently depending on the model.The switch to DOT 4 is for the ABS bikes and was across the model line for consistency.DOT 5 doesn't work well with ABS as it aerates too easily when pumped that fast.Just ask anyone who's ridden an Nissin ABS equipped police bike.
However if you're going to perform work on the bike you must know what you're doing.I'm sorry if you find this offensive but it may have cost you dearly.Had the dealer done this I'm sure lawyers would be involved.Buy a service manual and read it before touching a tool.

steveo3318

WOW i hate to even admit this but i just got done with my bike and actually had to take the rear brake off!! in doing so i added fluid and it was DOT 3, it has acted fine other than being a pita to keep bleed out, its only been a few days with maybe a 100 miles on it, WHAT SHOULD I DO???? if cleaning the system is enough someone please inlighten me on the best way. man i feel stupid,

steveo3318

if it makes any differece i just checked the bottle i used and it say Prestone DOT 3 SYNTHETIC 284 wet boiling point 470 dry boiling point, for abs, disc and drum brake systems.

none the less i am going to take the whole rear brake system off, break it down and flush it, whats a good spray to shoot through the parts to keep from eating the seals??? sorry so many questions, i just don't want my rear tire to lock up. especially with the wife on. dayum i feel stupid

glider

Steveo

Your bike being an 05 should call for dot 4 I believe, not 5 . Let us know here for sure. If it calls for dot 4 and you used dot 3, there's not a big problem as if it called for dot 5 . Just bleed the brakes out using new dot 4 to displace the dot 3 you used and you should be OK.
You shouldn't have to rebuild anything. The dot 3 and 4 are both glycol based fluids, it's just that the dot 4 is a better fluid.

If rebuilding is ever necessary,you can use the proper brake fluid to clean the parts.

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steveo3318

hey glider, it takes dot 5 i just walked outside and double checked myself but it is dot 5, i am going to start breaking it down after i run to town and get the 5 and some flush, but my last question is-what are the chances of it locking up. its been operating perfectly. thanks a ton and i didn't mean to steal this thread just didn't see the need to start a new one.

glider

Chances are pretty good after it's mixed with the dot 4. The mixture causes little jell like balls and you know what will do to the brake system. The caliper pucks can't retract like they should and they overheat.

Wasn't sure when they changed to the dot 4. I l know in 03 they were still using the dot 5.

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steveo3318

got it flushed out and sprayed out and dot 5 put back in, she is a ton firmer, just didn't realize until i changed it, the fluid was still like water so i think i am ok. thanks glider for the help- i will feel a ton better while the wife is riding now

glider

Glad you go it hooked up. I would also bleed the system now and then a few times just to be sure as a precaution. Brake fluid isn't that expensive at $9 a bottle compared to a life.

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steveo3318

already have, i ran three fill ups through it. on the reservoir that is.