Doc, try this. If you bleed your brake lines with a vacuum equipment, close the bleeding screw, carefully take the hose NOT completely off, so that the vacuum can suck the last DOT4 liquid from the screw. When it's dry enough, take the hose completely away. Works well. Best wishes from Austria.
Good tip. Although I still personally prefer the old DOT5 fluid. Yes I know that 4 is supposed to be technically superior but I never really noticed much difference in day to day riding. I like the thought that spilling a little DOT 5 on the paint work wont hurt much. I have seen several wrecked paint jobs due to accidents with dot4. Always looking forward to your posts.
I've always used a soft cloth with soap and water to clean everything off after sealing up the master cylinder and bleeder valve. I'm waiting to see your tips on how to protect the master cylinders when the cap is removed or reinstalled. What's the trick? There often seems to be a bit of seepage after the the cap is reinstalled, even after thoroughly cleaning the gasket and cap. I can confirm the refill level is correct with a level master cylinder. I've taped up the master cylinder body during the process, and clean everything off with soap and water afterwards. The torque on the cap's screws seems a bit finicky. I have a good quality torque screw driver, and find if I follow the factory specifications, the recommended setting often seems to squish out the rubber seal quite a bit and can cause some seepage. Sometimes just torquing by feel seems better, and that is often much lower than the factory recommended setting. Do you use a new seal each time? Some caps have the seal permanently installed, and the seal is not available separately. I've seen many bikes that have been serviced a few times with the finish corroded and peeling on the master cylinders. That being said, the earlier bikes say, 2008 or so when the factory started with the DOT4, were really bad for the paint or powder coating on the master cylinders being compromised, seemingly sometimes just the fumes from the DOT4, lol. Later models seem a bit better, so maybe they changed the paint or powder coating composition to something more durable. I always cringe when I have to work with that nasty DOT4
Yes new gaskets. I use brake cleaner on a paper towel used on Mastercylinder surface. I fill enough to cover window, not max. At max level the rubber gasket pushes the fluid on to the edges. I feel your pain….Doc
Hey Doc, do I need a scan tool to bleed my brakes on my 2019 street glide special? I know it’s so you can activate the ABS pump, but is there another way so we can do it ourselves at home? Thanks.
Hello, I have a question to ask, is there a difference in performance between a brake caliper from a 2022 Road Glide ST and a 2024 Heritage Classic 114, besides the look, I can`t seem to get any answer on this here in Montreal Qc, thank you so much.
If it’s corroding the inside of the bleeder nipple it’s corroding the inside of the caliper. If it’s truly corroding it then simply using a paper towel to soak it up won’t help since you’re still leaving a film of DOT 4 inside the bleeder. Would have to be thoroughly cleaned out with parts/brake cleaner… IF it’s even corroding.. but still not a bad shop practice.
Your theory of corrosion inside the caliper is questionable. I agree with your thoughts on even a film of Dot 4 left is a possible issue. All efforts to leave no Dot 4 behind is excellent. We appreciate you watching and contributing….Doc
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Great tip!!! 50 years of bleeding my own brakes and I never thought of that.
Thanks for watching…..Doc
What catastrophe happened in those 50 years?
nothing!!
Doc, try this.
If you bleed your brake lines with a vacuum equipment, close the bleeding screw, carefully take the hose NOT completely off, so that the vacuum can suck the last DOT4 liquid from the screw.
When it's dry enough, take the hose completely away.
Works well.
Best wishes from Austria.
Thanks….Doc
Excellent Tip
Appreciate the comment Larry…Doc
Great comment. I also fill the rubber cap with silicone grease before I reinstall it to protect it further.
Well done 👍….Doc
Thanks 'Doc', I've enjoyed these vids for some time now.
😄
Glad you enjoy them….Doc
Thanks Doc as usual a great tip.
Thanks Brad….Doc
Simple and useful tip Doc. Thank you.
Thanks Paul…Doc
Thanks Doc, Thats why you are the Doctor.
I’m just trying to help…Doc
Thanks I’ve been doing my own for years and never gave that a thought. Great idea
Glad it helped, appreciate you watching….Doc
Thanks for another great tech tip Doc.
Thanks for watching!…Doc
Good tip. Although I still personally prefer the old DOT5 fluid. Yes I know that 4 is supposed to be technically superior but I never really noticed much difference in day to day riding. I like the thought that spilling a little DOT 5 on the paint work wont hurt much. I have seen several wrecked paint jobs due to accidents with dot4. Always looking forward to your posts.
I agree with your post. Sadly Dot 4 is mandatory for ABS. Dot 5 won’t work… Doc
Good tip Doc, thanks
Good tip
I've always used a soft cloth with soap and water to clean everything off after sealing up the master cylinder and bleeder valve. I'm waiting to see your tips on how to protect the master cylinders when the cap is removed or reinstalled. What's the trick? There often seems to be a bit of seepage after the the cap is reinstalled, even after thoroughly cleaning the gasket and cap. I can confirm the refill level is correct with a level master cylinder. I've taped up the master cylinder body during the process, and clean everything off with soap and water afterwards. The torque on the cap's screws seems a bit finicky. I have a good quality torque screw driver, and find if I follow the factory specifications, the recommended setting often seems to squish out the rubber seal quite a bit and can cause some seepage. Sometimes just torquing by feel seems better, and that is often much lower than the factory recommended setting. Do you use a new seal each time? Some caps have the seal permanently installed, and the seal is not available separately. I've seen many bikes that have been serviced a few times with the finish corroded and peeling on the master cylinders. That being said, the earlier bikes say, 2008 or so when the factory started with the DOT4, were really bad for the paint or powder coating on the master cylinders being compromised, seemingly sometimes just the fumes from the DOT4, lol. Later models seem a bit better, so maybe they changed the paint or powder coating composition to something more durable. I always cringe when I have to work with that nasty DOT4
Yes new gaskets. I use brake cleaner on a paper towel used on Mastercylinder surface. I fill enough to cover window, not max. At max level the rubber gasket pushes the fluid on to the edges. I feel your pain….Doc
Thanks Doc
Great advice Doc! Thank you for sharing.
Well done!
🤔🤔🤔 ... nice tip, Doc. Thanks
Appreciate you watching David….Doc
Love the Tech Tips Doc, thank you!
Appreciate your comments!…Doc
Thanks Doc!
Just the tip was great. Thank you
Good tip, always appreciate the videos.
Thanks for watching….Doc
Thanks for sharing @@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Another beauty Doc. That's why you're you.
Thanks Greg….Doc
Hi Doc, why did Harley kill Dot 5.1 it was not corrosive , thanks for all the great tips!!!
I am not an engineer….Doc
Stupid simple. I love it!
Great tip
Appreciate the comment Richard…Doc
Maybe use a q-tip or two? Anyway. Great top Doc
Nice one…thanks 😎
Brilliant
My vacuum pump has a plastic tip, like a small straw, that attaches to the end of the hose i can snap on and put in the closed bleeder
😎👍
Always great information and advice...
Thanks Doc...
Thanks for watching and appreciate the comments…Doc
Smart ty
We appreciate your post….Doc
Makes sense I'll do that.
I like it!
thx
I’ve been doing this for decades!
Well done Derry….Doc
Never explained what happens if you leave it in there? do the brakes stop working?
Not so dramatic. If left in the fitting corrosion with possible plugging the hole….Doc
Generally I rinse with rubbing alcohol.
Is it the same for dot5?, I'll be honest I need thought of the little bleeder valve
Dot 5 not as much corrosion but still needs to be soaked up
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Awesome Thanks
My 2023 Low Rider ST is my first Harley and loving it! Is DOT 4 the standard in Harley’s? Can you go Higher?
It is the Standard now. Any higher May not be compatible….Doc
Hey Doc, do I need a scan tool to bleed my brakes on my 2019 street glide special? I know it’s so you can activate the ABS pump, but is there another way so we can do it ourselves at home? Thanks.
There are aftermarket options…Doc
@ ok, any examples? Thanks.
Shop vac?
Interesting 🤔…..Doc
Hello, I have a question to ask, is there a difference in performance between a brake caliper from a 2022 Road Glide ST and a 2024 Heritage Classic 114, besides the look, I can`t seem to get any answer on this here in Montreal Qc, thank you so much.
If it’s corroding the inside of the bleeder nipple it’s corroding the inside of the caliper. If it’s truly corroding it then simply using a paper towel to soak it up won’t help since you’re still leaving a film of DOT 4 inside the bleeder. Would have to be thoroughly cleaned out with parts/brake cleaner… IF it’s even corroding.. but still not a bad shop practice.
Your theory of corrosion inside the caliper is questionable. I agree with your thoughts on even a film of Dot 4 left is a possible issue. All efforts to leave no Dot 4 behind is excellent. We appreciate you watching and contributing….Doc
This is why good mechanics need a little practical sense.
I guarantee 9/10 techs don't care one bit about cleaning that out or spilling anything (corrosive or not) on your bike.
I am sorry you feel that way. There are many of US that care….Doc
Dot 4 out, little bit WD40 in.
Brake clean nozzle, surrounded by paper towel..
That is a good idea!…Doc
That's what I do too.
I thought all Harley took dot 5..