Topping up front brake fluid.

**rosie631** · 27th June 2009, 17:29

Ok.

Very basic question here. Have checked my front brake fluid and the little box thingy is about quarter full. Presuming I have to add some. But how full should it be? And do I have to bleed lines or anything or is if just a matter of topping it up? No chance of air lock or anything like that??
Oh, bike is 95 FXD harley.
Thanks in advance.

**nallac** · 27th June 2009, 19:33

No bleeding needed if the level is a little to low.

When was the fluid last changed?,would be a good time to do it
if it hasn't been done in a while..

Also do you know if it is Dot 4 or Dot 5 fluid in there?.

**doc** · 27th June 2009, 19:40

Make sure its SILICONE brake fluid, or you will be sorry.

**nallac** · 27th June 2009, 19:55

Originally Posted by doc

Make sure its SILICONE brake fluid, or you will be sorry.

By that he means Dot5 Harley fluid...Even tho you can use Dot4
in its place,it's just more likely to eat your paint if any is spilt.

**Quasievil** · 27th June 2009, 20:44

There should be a level indicator on the reservoir full it to the full mark line.
Also it should say on the lid of the reservoir what to put in it.
Also ask the dealer with the franchise for your bike, they can help you out.

lastly its important you check it and do it regularly good idea to get a owners handbook if you dont already.

**rosie631** · 27th June 2009, 20:52

I have a manual but it's pretty crappy. Says Dot5 brake fluid. Lines due to be bled but a friend will be helping me with that in a month or so. Just wondering if I should top it up in the meantime. Quarter seems quite low. Don't want to suddenly have no brakes.

**98tls** · 27th June 2009, 20:53

Originally Posted by rosie631

I have a manual but it's pretty crappy. Says Dot5 brake fluid. Lines due to be bled but a friend will be helping me with that in a month or so. Just wondering if I should top it up in the meantime. Quarter seems quite low. Don't want to suddenly have no brakes.

Just buy a little bottle and top it up,its as cheap as chips.

**Quasievil** · 27th June 2009, 20:56

Originally Posted by rosie631

I have a manual but it's pretty crappy. Says Dot5 brake fluid. Lines due to be bled but a friend will be helping me with that in a month or so. Just wondering if I should top it up in the meantime. Quarter seems quite low. Don't want to suddenly have no brakes.

mate best thing take to the dealer on Monday and ask them for a quick check on it.

**nallac** · 27th June 2009, 21:00

Originally Posted by 98tls

Just buy a little bottle and top it up,its as cheap as chips.

Just make sure its the same fluid as is already in there.
Not good to mix Dot4 and 5.

If its Dot5, its not cheap compared to Dot4 to buy........

**doc** · 27th June 2009, 21:14

Originally Posted by rosie631

Don't want to suddenly have no brakes.

Hey, we are talkin harley brakes, that why they sell Johnny Rebs, they assist with your braking force.

**CookMySock** · 27th June 2009, 21:35

Originally Posted by rosie631

I have a manual but it's pretty crappy. Says Dot5 brake fluid. Lines due to be bled but a friend will be helping me with that in a month or so. Just wondering if I should top it up in the meantime. Quarter seems quite low. Don't want to suddenly have no brakes.

You won't suddenly have no brakes because of low brake fluid. Something has to blow its' arse real bad for that to happen.

It is more likely low because of brake pad wear. If it makes you feel better, then top it up for sure. It's not going to cost you a lot. No point riding around worrying about crap when you can fix it with a flick of your little finger.

Steve

**AllanB** · 27th June 2009, 21:37

This may sound a bit foolish, but are you checking it with the master cylinder level? I ask as many have the front cylinder on a angle (particularly cruisers) and you need to turn the bars to get it level before taking a reading.
With the bars straight forward and the master cylinder on a angle it may read a quarter but actually be full.

**rosie631** · 28th June 2009, 07:58

Not sure. Just checked it with the bike on the stand. I will go ahead and top it up but just wanted to check if it's ok like it is. Going for a big ride today and haven't got time to get the brake fluid first. Will recheck with it level too.
Cheers everyone for the advice.

**Max Preload** · 29th June 2009, 00:31

Once you've correctly verified the current level don't just top it up - check the brake pad friction material first. If the fluid is low you've either got a leak (unlikely) or the pads are worn. The reservoir size is designed to have sufficient fluid to still have spare capacity when the piston(s) have travelled to their limit when the pads are worn.

In any case, change the fluid whenever you change pads.