Clutch recall done, now worried about fluid contamination

[gmansitur]

Hi Folks -

First post here. I just brought my 2014 street glide special in for the clutch recall and after checking the cylinder fluid level through the "window check" I noticed that it was extremely dark when compared to the one on the front brake. I pulled the top off just to take a pic and was wondering if this looked normal? This is the first bike I had with a hydraulic clutch so I don't know what to expect.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Bluebowtie]

I would talk to the dealer about that. It defiantly does not look normal.


Sent from the mobile leash

 

[SPFDRum]

I'm not to keen on having a film of anything on whats to be a closed loop hydraulic system. I agree, definitely something that needs to be brought up to your dealers attention.

 

[Shadow Glide]

I have never had a hydraulic clutch before. But in all of my years riding I have never seen a reservoir look like that. Usually you can see to the bottom of the bowl when clean fluid is in there. First things first ...My OCD is like " wipe the off the clutch lever!!!". fluid will eat up paint real fast.
Anyway I digress the fluid looks good underneath that layer of "something". I am a new member here as well and In the time I have been in these forums and looking around. It's going to be a great place to call home. I appreciate that you took the time to post an image for us to see. That in-itself is what forums are about. This way we can see what you see. Well done sir!

 

[xMike09]

Mine looks the same. Talk to dealer this is normal.


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[gmansitur]

Thanks All. I think what I will do is remove the top layer with a syringe, top off, then keep an eye on it. I did call the dealer and of course they said it was normal. I'm probably just being over paranoid again. And by the way ShadowGlide, I did clean the fluid....like 5 times

Thanks again, this is a great forum!

 

[Sday73]

I will check mine later. As my whole front end was just replaced I should have new fluids.

 

[hulkss]

Mine looks the same. Talk to dealer this is normal.

Yes, that is normal looking contaminated oil. I prefer normal looking clean oil in my system.

Harley used DOT 5 fluid years ago. Make sure that is not in there by mistake as it is not compatible with DOT 4 systems (DOT 5 fluid is silicone based).

DOT 4 , the specified fluid, is glycol based and absorbs water (hydroscopic). As such, you should change it when it gets contaminated with water and turns color. Just look at the fluid from a fresh sealed metal can if you want to know what it should look like. Always use fresh unopened fluid as it readily absorbs moisture from the air and gets contaminated that way.

Don't get DOT 4 on your gas tank. It's great paint remover.

 

[Mojo]

Change it yourself with DOT 4 making sure to cover your Gas Tank first. Mine looked like yours so that's what I did.

 

[wildchld]

Just had mine done now I have to look damn it!

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[Clay]

My 2014 is the same way soon after the recall was completed. Dealer told me that was normal because of the mileage(12K). Think I will change fluid in the reservoir.

 

[GAFLHXS]

Another new recall just hit concerning my 2014 Streetglide. HD has finally owned up to the saddlebags falling off. 15V-427 is the SB number. I tried to run the VIN number on the HD website and it didn't work. I went to safercar.gov and entered my VIN, it is included.

 

[2015amberwiskie]

My 2015 is on the list as well.

 

[Mojo]

Hmmm, first I've heard of this one! Glad we got this site to be first with the news. I'll check my VIN too.

 

[hevyrockerdk]

Another new recall just hit concerning my 2014 Streetglide. HD has finally owned up to the saddlebags falling off. 15V-427 is the SB number. I tried to run the VIN number on the HD website and it didn't work. I went to safercar.gov and entered my VIN, it is included.

I just checked my VIN on both sites and sure enough, mine's on the list too. Guess I'll be giving them a heads up to have the recall ready to go next week while I'm already in there for a clutch master cylinder replacement.

Sent from my phone.

 

[bb10172001]

Just AN FYI
In regards to the original post's about the discoloration after the Clutch Master Cylinder Recall was completed the dark color that you have noticed is actually the assembly lube that HD Supplies with their rebuild kits. I had actually damaged mine & bought a replacement kit & it was with the kit. Hope this puts some people at ease!

 

[hulkss]

Just AN FYI
In regards to the original post's about the discoloration after the Clutch Master Cylinder Recall was completed the dark color that you have noticed is actually the assembly lube that HD Supplies with their rebuild kits. I had actually damaged mine & bought a replacement kit & it was with the kit. Hope this puts some people at ease!

Are you sayin' they put assembly lube in the hydraulic fluid?

 

[bb10172001]

Hulkss, yes it is actually an assembly lube used to lubricate the rubber plunger & O-Rings. I will look for the instruction sheet that came with the kit I bought & get it posted. I was surprised as anybody buy it, I have been wrenching on my own cars for 30 years & as with most people I have never "contaminated" my brake system intentionally.

Are you sayin' they put assembly lube in the hydraulic fluid?

 

[hulkss]

I guess it might be OK. The clutch actuator does not get super hot like a brake caliper.

 

[bb10172001]

I pulled the instruction sheet that came with the kit (part#37200096A) & it states to see service manual for assembly which is on page 2-88 of the 2015 Touring Service Manual. Under the Assembly steps is where it is referencing the assembly lube. I do remember the lube is a dark grey graphite color which results in the "dirty" appearance in the sight glass when it mixes with the brake fluid. Hopefully this helps anybody questioning this since the dealers don't seem to be giving any real explanation other than its normal.

Hulkss, yes it is actually an assembly lube used to lubricate the rubber plunger & O-Rings. I will look for the instruction sheet that came with the kit I bought & get it posted. I was surprised as anybody buy it, I have been wrenching on my own cars for 30 years & as with most people I have never "contaminated" my brake system intentionally.