2004 Harley Davidson Heritage. I viewed your video concerning brake bleeding and really like the idea of pushing brake fluid through the system rather than sucking it out, it makes a whole lot of sense with regard to air bubbles. Several months ago I purchased a Phoenix injector system and like what it does, however, when bleeding the brakes I just can’t quite get a firm brake lever and I am striving towards the firmest brake lever possible. I have watched the videos time and time again and can’t get that firm brake lever, and after I’ve used the Phoenix injector, I sucked the air out in the other direction. Would you have any more possible tips or what I may be doing wrong?
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There are 2 or 3 years that Harley was releasing motorcycles with “soft” front master cylinders. 2004 was one of those years.
You can try rebuilding your master but if you had a soft lever feel before you began your work, chances are you may not be able improve the condition. These master cylinders were superseded. If you were to purchase a new master from a dealer today, you should be able to achieve the lever feel you expect.
Related Fix My Hog Videos:
Front Brake Caliper Pad Service and Bleeding Brakes
Harley Master Cylinder Rebuild
Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.
What are the years that Harley released the soft master cylinders?
I have an 03 Ultra with the same issue, soft front brakes. Is 0e another year for the soft front brakes?
My 2005 FLHRCI is also soft, is that also one of the 3 years with the "soft" front master cylinder? Thanks in advance. Roberto.
I had my front lever lock up. I couldn't budge it at all. I stopped and bled down 1 side. This allowed me to get the bike home. Since then, I rebuilt both front calipers and master cylinder. I didn't change pads, as they weren't half worn, now I can't get lever up. I tried bleeding old school and the tried to suck them down from the calipers. When I try and suck the fluid to caliper, it seems I am sucking air into the system. When I bleed, I get only fluid. I can pump the lever and get 1/2 of lever and it holds good pressure, so I don't think the master is an issue. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.