Soft Brake Lever

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog 2004 Harley Davidson Heritage. Hi, recently I viewed your video concerning Brake Bleeding and really like the idea of pushing the 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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Fix My Hog Answers 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 These master cylinders were superseded.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:
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-master-cylinder-rebuild-005175/

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4 Responses to “Soft Brake Lever”

  1. STAN SLADE

    CAN NOT GET VOLTAGE TO MY FUEL PUMP. 2007 SPORTSTER 883. HANDLEBARS WERE CHANGED BEFORE I GOT IT. CHANGED THE RUN/OFF SWITCH. IT WILL FIRE UP WITH GAS ON THE FILTER. IT SAT FOR 12 YEARS OR SO. DISCONNECTED ALL CONNECTIONS AND SHOT WITH CRC ELECTRONIC CLEANER. PULLED ALL FUSES AND RELAYS AND SHOT THEM TOO. NOTHING AT THE FUSE EITHER ANY IDEAS?

  2. Mike

    I would recommend a caliper clean also. More often than not that has firmed up the front brake. You're cleaning the dirt, grime, and road debris build up from the pistons which may be causing them to stick in the caliper and not move freely. It's also something that should be done regularly to prevent o-ring failure which in turn can cause loss of fluid and ultimately brake failure.

  3. Tadd Ostendorf

    Did the 05 Ultra classic have the same problem with the master cylinder? My last one had a sporadically spongy front brake lever.

  4. John schouten

    I put a rebuild kit in my ‘84 XLX 1000. Front master 5/8 in. Can seem to get it to push any fluid although I can here the cup and o ring on the piston pushing air. Do I have to prime it somehow?