Soft Front Brake Pull

glider · Mar 14th, 2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWHD74FAN

I'll bite...what is Dot 5.1 and referenced to HD? Guess I haven't been paying attention...

DOT Brake Fluids - Harley Davidson Community

NEWHD74FAN · Mar 14th, 2009, 11:48 PM

So DOT5.1 is compatible with Etylene-Glycol DOT 3 & 4 Fluids...where do you get it, is it color coded or by virtue it is not purple it is amber colored to imply it is "mixable". Do I take 5.1 implies that it has even higher boiling point than DOT4, but is not Silicone based like straight DOT5 "Purple"? When using DOT 4 I would use Castrol in the big bottle, as it was used on my truck & car, to flush all the systems every 3 years.

glider · Mar 15th, 2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWHD74FAN

So DOT5.1 is compatible with Etylene-Glycol DOT 3 & 4 Fluids...where do you get it, is it color coded or by virtue it is not purple it is amber colored to imply it is "mixable". Do I take 5.1 implies that it has even higher boiling point than DOT4, but is not Silicone based like straight DOT5 "Purple"? When using DOT 4 I would use Castrol in the big bottle, as it was used on my truck & car, to flush all the systems every 3 years.

It should be available in most auto stores and yes it is compatible with 3 & 4. Couldn't tell you about the reason for the color of the fluid.

Jack Klarich · Oct 29th, 2009, 10:04 PM

As brake fluid absorbs moisture and it will u will get a spongy or soft feal to the brakes dot 5 will crystalize over time and cause problems probably the main reacon H D uses dot 4 now Brake fluid goes not last forever it is one of the most over looked fluids If your brake fluid is dark in color that would be the rubber parts in the system braking down. In the auto industry we use test strips to verify copper content in the fluid .I also use a Shark sold by Mac tools to test for moisture content hope this helps

glider · Oct 29th, 2009, 10:06 PM

Harley went to the DOT 4 because of the ABS braking systems.

Jayson459 · Oct 30th, 2009, 02:46 AM

Glad Harley went back to DOT 4 on the EGS Between 4 Fluid and Brembo feel much more secure breaking now than did with the Heritage.. Although never had a problem breaking with DOT 5 on the Sporty ..

NEWHD74FAN · Oct 31st, 2009, 12:18 AM

Dot 5 Silicone based fluid was developed in racing circles for it's higher temperature rating and it's "inert" properties that do not degrade seals and o-rings like ethylene glycol based fluid that intentionally swell slightly making them seal better and "feel" better.

Actually Dot 5 also deteriorates less rapidly, than EG based brake fluids, but being silicone based, it is a contaminant like teflon, so it does not dissolve or break down, and very difficult to clean off surfaces. That is why some primary vendors have banned the use of silicone based lubricant and adhesive products, even the EPA is concerned about it's long term environment effects as being unknown (likely much worse than long life plastics).

Chopper · Mar 14th, 2010, 04:08 PM

If you have a soft front brake pull, try putting a strap on the brake lever pulling it in tight, and let it sit over night then in the morning let the strap loose, pump up the brake and your brake should return to normal.

Hoople · Mar 14th, 2010, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopper

If you have a soft front brake pull, try putting a strap on the brake lever pulling it in tight, and let it sit over night then in the morning let the strap loose, pump up the brake and your brake should return to normal.

Cool Trick. Is it air that causes the soft brake feel? Somehow the overnight pressure causes the air to go to top? Just wondering what actually happens.

Chopper · Mar 14th, 2010, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoople

Cool Trick. Is it air that causes the soft brake feel? Somehow the overnight pressure causes the air to go to top? Just wondering what actually happens.

If you figure it out let me know, just one of those old indian tricks that works.

View Poll Results: Post what brake fluid you use
DOT 5.1	0	0%
DOT 5	30	63.83%
DOT 4	17	36.17%
DOT 3	0	0%
Voters: 47. You may not vote on this poll

Mar 14th, 2009, 11:48 PM	#12
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,907 My Mood:	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull So DOT5.1 is compatible with Etylene-Glycol DOT 3 & 4 Fluids...where do you get it, is it color coded or by virtue it is not purple it is amber colored to imply it is "mixable". Do I take 5.1 implies that it has even higher boiling point than DOT4, but is not Silicone based like straight DOT5 "Purple"? When using DOT 4 I would use Castrol in the big bottle, as it was used on my truck & car, to flush all the systems every 3 years. __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Oct 29th, 2009, 10:04 PM	#14
Jack Klarich Community Guru Wannabe Ride: 2007 Streetbob Join Date: Sep 25th, 2009 Location: Jax. Fl. Posts: 861 My Mood:	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull As brake fluid absorbs moisture and it will u will get a spongy or soft feal to the brakes dot 5 will crystalize over time and cause problems probably the main reacon H D uses dot 4 now Brake fluid goes not last forever it is one of the most over looked fluids If your brake fluid is dark in color that would be the rubber parts in the system braking down. In the auto industry we use test strips to verify copper content in the fluid .I also use a Shark sold by Mac tools to test for moisture content hope this helps

Oct 29th, 2009, 10:06 PM	#15
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 21,053 My Mood:	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull Harley went to the DOT 4 because of the ABS braking systems. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Oct 30th, 2009, 02:46 AM	#16
Jayson459 Contributor$ Ride: 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Join Date: Oct 13th, 2008 Location: Lake City, FL Posts: 368 My Mood:	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull Glad Harley went back to DOT 4 on the EGS Between 4 Fluid and Brembo feel much more secure breaking now than did with the Heritage.. Although never had a problem breaking with DOT 5 on the Sporty .. __________________ 2009 Ultra, Bone Stock (for now).. .. 2001 Sportster XL 883>1200 Stage 1..

Oct 31st, 2009, 12:18 AM	#17
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,907 My Mood:	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull Dot 5 Silicone based fluid was developed in racing circles for it's higher temperature rating and it's "inert" properties that do not degrade seals and o-rings like ethylene glycol based fluid that intentionally swell slightly making them seal better and "feel" better. Actually Dot 5 also deteriorates less rapidly, than EG based brake fluids, but being silicone based, it is a contaminant like teflon, so it does not dissolve or break down, and very difficult to clean off surfaces. That is why some primary vendors have banned the use of silicone based lubricant and adhesive products, even the EPA is concerned about it's long term environment effects as being unknown (likely much worse than long life plastics). __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Mar 14th, 2010, 04:08 PM	#18
Chopper Community Guru Wannabe Ride: 1968 Harley Chopper Join Date: Nov 24th, 2008 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 1,257	Re: Soft Front Brake Pull If you have a soft front brake pull, try putting a strap on the brake lever pulling it in tight, and let it sit over night then in the morning let the strap loose, pump up the brake and your brake should return to normal. __________________ Hollow Points - For Those Who Care Enough to Send the Very Best

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