Can I use DOT 4 instead of DOT 5 in my Harley?
Since DOT 4 and 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids they are compatible with each other, which means they can be readily mixed without harming your brake system. Here you can see that silicone based DOT 5 is the odd one out and is not compatible with any other DOT brake fluid.
What year did Harley start using DOT 5 brake fluid?
DOT 5 brake fluid is stipulated for nearly all motorcycles from Harley-Davidson and Buell roughly from model years 1976 to 2004/2005 with original braking systems.
What happens if you use DOT 4 instead of DOT 5?
There are DOT4 fluids with boiling points that exceed DOT5 so there’s really no need to consider using DOT5 for on-road use. DOT3 and DOT 4 cannot be mixed with DOT5 fluid. They are incompatible and if mixed, brake failure may occur.
How often should you change DOT 5 brake fluid?
Glycol-based brake fluid needs changing at regular intervals as recommended by Harley® for your bike. For most riders, that’s every 1-2 years. If you use DOT 5 you can go longer between changes. You can tell it’s time with a tester or by checking the color of what’s currently in your system.
What is compatible with DOT 5 brake fluid?
All DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 brake fluids are compatible with each other and with all systems. All polyethylene glycol-based fluids will not harm healthy rubber parts. Also, the additive packages will not damage or distort any rubber parts.
Which is better dot 3 or dot 5 brake fluid?
Dot 5 is silicone based fluid, where Dot 3 & 4 are glycol based. Dot 3&4 will attack paint if spilled. Dot 5 is safer on painted surfaces. The problem with Dot 5 fluid is that it aerates too easily and cannot be used in ABS systems because of this.
Is it bad to mix brake fluid in 1987 FXRS?
Check the cap on the cylinder, it should tell you or the owners or factory manual will tell you also. YES, mixing is VERY bad. In my 1987 fxrs it says right on the master cylinder caps DOT 5 only. DOT 5 is standard for that year. Most, if not all, after market brake parts for that year are DOT 5.
Can you mix dot 5 with DOT 4 glycol?
Krikket & Glider have it right exactly…DO NOT MIX SILICONE BASED DOT 5 with GLYCOL BASED DOT 4 EVER!!! DOT 4 is the highest temp rating for Glycol (old technology brake fluid) used primarily in Disc brake systems; DOT 3 was used in older Drum brake systems…think automotive technology here.
What kind of brake fluid does a Harley Davidson use?
Discussion in ‘ Softail Models ‘ started by taweste, Aug 20, 2008 . I stopped at a harley dealer one day because I needed primary oil and brake fluid. I did not know what type of brake fluid I needed so I asked the worker at the parts counter. She called someone for help, and after a short discussion she told me that I would need DOT4 brake fluid.