Doc Harley’s Brake Tech Tip

[@laneh1968]

I hit like before I start watching your videos because I know I won’t be disappointed.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Wow! That is a first, thank you….Doc

[@stlchuckhd]

Another great video Doc! I devour all of your videos pertaining to my three Harleys. Just performed the 190K service on my 07 FLTR and the two year brakes master cylinders (originals) flush. The fluid tester indicated moisture; now clean. 🇺🇸

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Great work keeping the American dream alive….Doc

[@wd4477]

Doc, you are a National treasure. Thanks for what you do sir.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Wes you are too kind. I appreciate you tuning in….Doc

[@jimmyjimjim3054]

My Superglide C is just turned 13 and is working great so far, but this is good info! Love the channel.

[@dtork47]

Really appreciate that information Doc, pretty critical! Thanks and be safe.

[@cameronbartley6139]

Great info Doc as always.

[@scottlin777]

Nice to see a triglide once in a while

[@james6275]

Great tip Doc gotta let a buddy of mine know about that he has a TriGlide! Always interesting Sir.

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for your support….Doc

[@tex9280]

Love your work Doc 💪 Living The F🤪KING Dream ❗ Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺

[@BKKFATBOY]

Another helpful video, thanks!

[@georgeparker7108]

Thanks Doc, something I'll keep my eyes on. 2018 Tri-Glide.

[@patrickzambori473]

all it really needs is a shot of silicone spray behind the master cylinder seal. Normal part of maintenance that I do on every bike that rolls on my lift... and it's very common cause of things like flickering brake lights, cruise tripping off, dragging brakes, etc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the added tech tip. I will look in the Service Manual for this procedure….Doc

[@OZ-HOG-RON]

Thanks Doc. I'll check mine out.

[@JohnNeuhauser]

Great info thank you

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Thank you for video on trikes

[@Big88Country]

Thanks Doc!! Quick question about another topic. I have a 2017 CVO Ultra, and concerned about the oil pump and the sumping issue on these bikes. When I pull the crank sensor after a ride, how much oil is too much oil, if any? When should I start looking to replace the oil pump and cam plate, 6 ounces, 12 or more? I hope to get zero or just a few drops. I have replaced the sump plug with a shorty plug from Fueling. Thanks Doc for your time and expertise!! Know that you are much appreciated!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If it was my bike, save up, budget and purchase the latest oil pump…..Doc

[@schachat01]

Thanks Doc for another great tech tip. Just wondering, surely this applies to pretty much all HD front brake master cylinders not just Tri Glides-maybe I am missing a trick?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are correct…..Doc

[@timrowell94]

thanks doc

[@rogue13131313]

My 1981 Suzuki Brake Master (original) still works great.... But I guess 8 years is old too

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

With original fluid and components? 👏….Doc

[@thangknowa3288]

Seems kinda early to be having that kind of issue, I would expect a good bit more life out of it than that. Perhaps a better design would be in order on the replacement master cylinder. Required ABS flushes, and now this...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thang the key is following your owners manual service intervals checking moisture content and changing brake fluid at least every 2 years is good preventative maintenance. Why blame the design instead of the circumstances?….Doc

[@thangknowa3288]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I am just griping. My rear ABS recently locked up, despite dealer doing the ABS flush on time as recommended on my 2011 Touring bike, they covered it, but I still don't like it. Riding home after dark with just front wheel brakes really sucked! OK, rant over, sorry Doc...

[@motorcyclestoriesbydarkdave]

Thank you, hay as your always answering questions. How many miles are you seeing before major work needs on tri glides? I’ve got 29K and climbing fast, she is a 2022.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I don’t have a tried and true mileage and issue report. Brakes are the item that need attention most of the time…..Doc

[@positivelynegative9149]

Eight years is old?! 😳 I'm pretty sure my 2003 Softail, with 65,000 miles, has the original master cylinders. 🤔

[@thanosetsitty1896]

This problem is only happening to triglides.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Not Tri-glides only…..Doc

[@positivelynegative9149]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thank you for all your videos and sharing that encyclopedia of a tech-brain you have.

[@beauxdutaman7450]

another question about front brake lever, when taking it off of the frame of master cyclinder dose the piston slide out on its own, and will fluid leak out? i want to clean the lever just like with the clutch lever.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Everything will stay together. The front brake switch is what you must be careful of when installing the lever…..Doc

[@beauxdutaman7450]

ahh ok tnx @@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@beauxdutaman7450]

just a quick question about heritage brake bleed fittings. what size hose will fit on the bleed fitting that wont pop off when the fitting is loosened?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That is a great question. I have always used the hoses that came with my Myty Vac. I’m sure I will have to know this when mine wear out🤷‍♂️…..Doc

[@beauxdutaman7450]

ok i'll call the H D store and see what they recomend tnx

[@pb68slab18]

Why does Harley continue to use DOT 3 fluid? Most high-quality aftermarket motorcycle brake systems use DOT 5, which does not absorb moisture. One of my bikes has PM brakes & master cylinders with stainless braided teflon lines and I've used DOT 5 for over 25yrs with no trouble. I even used it on the rear brake on my 1968 FLH.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Dot 4 is used because it does not bubble also higher temp resistant. An ABS unit can not have air bubbles. Work your Dot 5 hard enough and you will see air bubbles in the Master cylinder….Doc

[@pb68slab18]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson OK, but no ABS on any of my bikes. We used DOT 5 for race bikes in the 80s~90s and I doubt any Harley gets a brake workout of a true roadrace bike. I certainly don't push my RK as hard as I did some 750~1100cc 4cyl sportbikes back in the old days. I found a set of Grimica 4-piston calipers I was thinking about putting my '97 RK and was planning on switching to DOT 5. I still ride my Flathead and Panhead, which still have the original mechanically operated drums! My '68 at least has a juice brake, and yep, that's been running DOT 5 for 30yrs now. The hand-lever and cable operated drum front brake is a joke! Ya just gotta ride at a more leisurely pace and don't follow anyone too close.

[@stevesmorgon]

how do you move the brake pedal to the right? its too far left and the side of my foot is the only contact to it, not my whole toe

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I believe aftermarket companies offer pegs that extend out….Doc

[@TheKerstingm]

I swapped out my original aluminum levers with chrome levers last year. The new ones are that loose from day one? What's your thoughts on that? I have a 07 Electra Glide Standard, brake system pressure fells fine

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If they are HD replacement I am concerned. Aftermarket levers in my opinion are loose because they are multi fit…..Doc

[@bradleydame7040]

Do you know if there’s something you put where the brake light was on 2007 night train my turn signals are there brake/tail light too there’s nothing covering all wiring and where they plug into

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am not sure what you are asking. I am sure a Service Manual will help you…Doc

[@charlesburchfield374]

what is the factory length on the fron master cylinder line to block on frame

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

This information is easy to get by visiting an aftermarket cable/line web site. A few to try are: Magnum Shielding, Fat Bagger & LA Chopper…Doc

[@MrKamilof4]

I’ve a question, I have 03 FLSTCI, and the front brake cap shows replaced with DOT 5, so the question is can I convert the front brake to use DOT 4 instead of DOT 5? Thank you in advance.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No…No…No!….Doc

[@MrKamilof4]

Thank you!@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@exupakias]

Happy i have old Electra Glide 2001.

[@wantharley]

What about repaire kit for Master cylinder?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes their are Master Cylinder repair kits but internal bore has to be in great shape. …Doc

[@wantharley]

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson after fluid change, front break very weak, and soft. I try to remove air bubbles, but no result... please advice. Also, new repair kit in place. Before was ok, now I can push by two fingers till grips...

[@dandailey2352]

My arms sticks on my 05 wide glide Dyna how do I fix that

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Usually a shower help eliminate stickiness….Doc

[@richardschaffling9882]

I have a 2022 Tri Glide and when you put the rear brakes on you can’t pull the front brake handle and it only has 900 miles so far

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That would be that propositional valve working. You still have front brake function but can feel the assistance. All good 👍……Doc

[@richardschaffling9882]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson they reflashed the ABS at the dealership and it works like it should

[@creigmacc]

Amazing what Harley Davidson needs you to replace after 8 years.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Needs to replace when the fluid has not been changed every 2 years….Doc

[@johncasor9698]

that is for any Master Cylinder i would think you should of known that Doc...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks John…..Doc

[@Paine-yr9wd]

If they were built properly in the first place you wouldn’t have to replace them unless you logged a ton of miles on the bike!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Mileage has only a small part of it, Your responsibility of Maintenance is….Doc

[@GS-zv3qn]

Linked brakes are good till they get old

[@garyzanghi9272]

My 2006 Ultra had the same problem with the front lever, not holding the brake light switch in and little return on the master cylinder So New lever's, switch, master cylinder rebuild all is good Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your experience….Doc

[@robedmunds7163]

Rebuild that sucker, don't throw away serviceable parts, i know you have to be careful with brakes, but if the mileage is not too high I would at least inspect it - not made of money you know🙂

[@talkingrock7011]

Keep the brake fluid charged every 2 years , it could have saved this owner some cash

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Agree…..Doc

[@Old940]

Fluid was not the problem, poorly made parts.

[@mattrichard8759]

Oh yeah another amazing three f****** minute video yeah that's sarcasm

[@Old940]

Doc just reports what he thinks might help some Budweiser Riders.