Possible Brake-Failure 08 to 11 Harley
#101
07-13-2016, 10:08 AM
Road Captain
Well, how handy are you? And I imply no slur with that.
You should be able to jumper the actuators and hold them open, letting you bleed fluid through the circuit. I say that not having done so on a Harley, and without a manual regarding the bike. So caveat-emptor!
A red-neck method I've used on some other vehicles has been to bleed the brakes clear in the conventional manner. Then go out driving and actuate the abs system several times. Then rebleed. Repeat if the second bleed looked especially funky or you simply feel like it.
You should be able to jumper the actuators and hold them open, letting you bleed fluid through the circuit. I say that not having done so on a Harley, and without a manual regarding the bike. So caveat-emptor!
A red-neck method I've used on some other vehicles has been to bleed the brakes clear in the conventional manner. Then go out driving and actuate the abs system several times. Then rebleed. Repeat if the second bleed looked especially funky or you simply feel like it.
#102
07-13-2016, 10:29 AM
#103
07-13-2016, 10:32 AM
Road Captain
#104
07-13-2016, 11:02 AM
The circuit design will not allow 100% brake fluid removal unless abs module valves are exercised during bleeding process. Although, it would seem it is a small amount. I posted the actual manufacturers abs module diagram in other posts
The correct way, per dealer method, will also exercise the abs valves when bleeding. Some think that not engaging abs every two years or less, front and rear, greatly increases the chances of stuck abs valves. Hard braking to engage abs will certainly exercise the valves also.
The correct way, per dealer method, will also exercise the abs valves when bleeding. Some think that not engaging abs every two years or less, front and rear, greatly increases the chances of stuck abs valves. Hard braking to engage abs will certainly exercise the valves also.
Do I now not have to lose sleep at night?
#105
07-13-2016, 01:36 PM
Road Warrior
Anyway at least after all these posts people can see HD is not the only motorcycle company requiring brake fluid changes and if fact can see Yamaha who builds an inexpensive touring bike vstar 1300 not only requires brake fluid change but also brake calipers and master cylinder rebuilds every two years.
I would think most motorcycles of all brands require at least a fluid change, whether or not the owners know that is another story.
#106
07-13-2016, 06:12 PM
I also checked the bill when they replaced the brakes and rotors: again, no mention of changing or flushing the system.
I guess it is only important to them when someone gets hurt.
Last edited by IKnowNot; 07-13-2016 at 06:53 PM. Reason: Guess I am going to need that info on the speed bleeders too.
#107
07-13-2016, 06:48 PM
#108
07-13-2016, 07:17 PM
Well I am riding around on a 2008 FLHX w/ABS that has 8 year old brake fluid but it gets the ABS activated on every ride. No issues. I was gonna flush and fill this summer but I will wait and see about the ABS module recall and hopefully get it done for free, LOL.
#109
07-15-2016, 08:45 AM
Road Captain
Dealership got my bike Wednesday afternoon. I got it back Thursday afternoon. I spent $160 for the flush and they washed my bike as well. I made a bee-line for the service center and avoided the showroom floor, lest I be tempted, again. On the 35 mile, mostly highway ride home, I performed a few emergency type stops to make sure all worked well.
#110
07-15-2016, 08:52 AM
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Dealership got my bike Wednesday afternoon. I got it back Thursday afternoon. I spent $160 for the flush and they washed my bike as well. I made a bee-line for the service center and avoided the showroom floor, lest I be tempted, again. On the 35 mile, mostly highway ride home, I performed a few emergency type stops to make sure all worked well.