Since we are expecting 50+ degree weather next week, thought I might get the bike ready to ride this weekend. Uncovered the bike and SURPRISE!, there's brake fluid on the side of my front tire. Anybody ever experience this after winter storage? 2001 Electra Glide Standard with 33,000 miles on the odometer. I had the front calipers rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago but haven't had any problems with them until now. Weather has just started to warm up so I'm hoping that has something to do with it. Then again, brakes are pretty important to me when I'm riding, so maybe I'll just schedule an appointment to get them looked at.

 

Brake fluid will make rubber soft so check your tire. I would be a little concerned about a leak, orings must be damaged. Is the master cylinder empty?

 

The master cylinder does not look empty, but I haven't had time to level the bike and take the cover off. Will brake cleaner harm the tire or is there something else I could use to clean the brake fluid off the tire?

 

I don't think DOT 5 fluid is hard on the tire like DOT 3 or 4, brake clean should be OK just don't leave it on the tire. I'd spray some on a rag or paper towel & wipe the tire off instead of spraying it directly on the tire.

 

You have a leak somewhere, find out where it came from. Caliper, lines, reservoir or a fitting. If you can't find it dust with baby powder and pump the brakes, the powder will make the leak easier to spot.

 

Good idea using baby powder. I checked the reservoir, lines and fittings - nothing. Seemed like it was leaking from the caliper, maybe from one of the pistons, but it hasn't leaked since I wiped it down with paper towels. Just need to find someone in the neighborhood who has a baby so I can borrow their powder....