[Mcrowe703]

Hello everyone,
sorry in advance if I forget something in this post due to me being new to the forum.
I have a 2012 street glide NON ABS with roughly 18k on it. Ive had it about 4 months and have ridden plenty with no issues. Yesterday I was riding out to the lake and the weirdest thing happened. Cruise was set and for some reason it seemed like the bike lost a little power or almost bogged. Thinking I was in too high of gear I downshifted and gave it the beans, it corrected the problem but still seemed to be running a little on the rough side. Since I gave it throttle I was going to slow down back to the speed limit(haha) and I go to depress my brakes and I had ABSOLUTELY no pressure in my front brake. I was able to pull it all the way back with one finger. Brakes didnt engage. My rear brakes were still working so I used those, slowed back down and next thing you know..the rear brakes had no pressure however the front brake did. I stopped, checked the fluid in both front and rear; it looks a bit dirty for my liking but it was almost full and wouldnt imagine that would cause my symptoms as Ive ridden with a lot dirtier in other bikes. When I got back on the road after checking fluids, I had rear and front brakes back....I reach out to my bike mechanic whos been wrenching on bikes for 20 years and hes never heard of this. NOTE: My left turn signal has been turning on randomly almost as if the switch has a loose wire since two days ago but dont see these being connected.

Anyone have any insight?!
Im going to California from Iowa this summer so trying to get some answers ASAP. I have it scheduled for two weeks from now to go into my local Hd shop but when I explained the symptoms the guy I spoke to said he was thinking it would be a brake fluid flush issue. Which Im having a hard time believing.
thanks for input in advance!ride safe everyone!

 

[1/2 Ton]

If the brakes were serviced with DOT 4 fluid, that stuff is hydroscopic. In other words it absorbs water from the air. Over time it will collect enough water to thin the brake fluid. Brake fluid has a very, very high boiling point. Water boils at 210 or 212* (if i remember correctly). Anyway, the water will boil and turn to vapor in the brake caliper and lines, as the brakes get very hot. Vapor (air) will compress, fluid will not. (not enough to consider for this purpose.)

Your fluid is dirty looking because it is old. You see where this is going?
DOT 4 MUST be flushed out every 2 years! Because of the water contamination in the fluid. Simply due to its age.

Flush the brake fluid and it will be good as new.

EDIT: Signal switch: If the Right signal button is popping back out after signaling, Is the LEFT one responding the same way? It could be a weak spring in the left button, or a dirty contact inside the switch housing.
Compare the two buttons and how they react. If the differ.. Its the spring. If they appear to act alike, open up the switch housing and spray it with electrical contact cleaner.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Protect all painted surfaces from that contact spray! Or you will regret it!
Happy motoring!

 

[DRVMN]

I agree with 1/2 Ton . . . start with the brake fluid first.

Where are you in Iowa?

 

[SCHMIDTY]

Check for warped rotors, warped rotors will pump fluid out of the caliper back to the master cylinder.

 

[Mcrowe703]

I agree with 1/2 Ton . . . start with the brake fluid first.

Where are you in Iowa?

I’m in Centerville iowa right by unionville Missouri. Just moved here from dsm

 

[Mcrowe703]

If the brakes were serviced with DOT 4 fluid, that stuff is hydroscopic. In other words it absorbs water from the air. Over time it will collect enough water to thin the brake fluid. Brake fluid has a very, very high boiling point. Water boils at 210 or 212* (if i remember correctly). Anyway, the water will boil and turn to vapor in the brake caliper and lines, as the brakes get very hot. Vapor (air) will compress, fluid will not. (not enough to consider for this purpose.)

Your fluid is dirty looking because it is old. You see where this is going?
DOT 4 MUST be flushed out every 2 years! Because of the water contamination in the fluid. Simply due to its age.

Flush the brake fluid and it will be good as new.

EDIT: Signal switch: If the Right signal button is popping back out after signaling, Is the LEFT one responding the same way? It could be a weak spring in the left button, or a dirty contact inside the switch housing.
Compare the two buttons and how they react. If the differ.. Its the spring. If they appear to act alike, open up the switch housing and spray it with electrical contact cleaner.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Protect all painted surfaces from that contact spray! Or you will regret it!
Happy motoring!

I appreciate all of the insight 1/2 ton! I got all the stuff for flushing it and just waiting for the rain to stop so I can go do it as I don’t have garage access currently. I will keep you guys posted how it turns out. The signal on the left will come on randomly and sometimes acts as if the switch isn’t working, the right side works perfectly. I was honestly thinking it was a short somewhere. How would I replace or check the spring? Or would it require an entire switch assembly? Thanks again!

 

[1/2 Ton]

I appreciate all of the insight 1/2 ton! I got all the stuff for flushing it and just waiting for the rain to stop so I can go do it as I don’t have garage access currently. I will keep you guys posted how it turns out. The signal on the left will come on randomly and sometimes acts as if the switch isn’t working, the right side works perfectly. I was honestly thinking it was a short somewhere. How would I replace or check the spring? Or would it require an entire switch assembly? Thanks again!

Probably the whole switch, unfortunately!

I gotta tell you, this guy knows: Schmidty has many, many more years experience with HD than i do..

Check for warped rotors, warped rotors will pump fluid out of the caliper back to the master cylinder.

 

[1/2 Ton]

Ronnie's Harley-Davidson's 2012 Harley Davidson FLHX STREET GLIDE® (KB) | HANDLEBAR SWITCHES - LEFT HAND Parts List

partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com

Good news, the signal switch is independent... Only $54 at Ronnies.... See there, helping you spend more HD $$

Playing around in those switch housings will teach you some new vocabulary....Just sayin'

Just in case:
Make sure to put a small wedge in the gap created between the brake lever and the purch if, you ever take the right side apart... This prevents breaking the brake light switch inside the reservoir housing... Apply some front brake, then stick the wedge in the gap, Do Not remove the wedge until putting everything back together. (This is the most common problem with brake lights!).. Anything! a zip-tie will work in a pinch!