Buell 2005 FIREBOLT - Brake System Maintenance

1-16 2005 Buell Firebolt: Maintenance
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BRAKE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 1.7
GENERAL
Check brake fluid level and condition:
● When storing or removing the motorcycle for the season.
Replace D.O.T. 4 BRAKE FLUID:
● Every 2 years.
Front brake hand lever and rear brake foot pedal must have a
firm feel when brakes are applied. If not, bleed system as
described.
Inspect front and rear brake lines and replace as required:
● Every 4 years.
Inspect caliper and master cylinder seals and replace as
required:
● Every 2 years.
If determining probable causes of poor brake operation, refer
to Tabl e 1-6.
BLEEDING BRAKES
1WARNING1WARNING
Direct contact of D.O.T. 4 brake fluid with eyes can cause
irritation. Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact flush
with large amounts of water and get medical attention.
Swallowing large amounts of D.O.T. 4 brake fluid can
cause digestive discomfort. If swallowed, obtain medical
attention. Use in well ventilated area. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN. (00240a)
1WARNING1WARNING
Never mix D.O.T. 4 with other brake fluids (such as D.O.T.
5). Use only D.O.T. 4 brake fluid in motorcycles that spec-
ify D.O.T. 4 fluid on the reservoir cap. Mixing different
types of fluid may adversely affect braking ability and
lead to brake failure which could result in death or seri-
ous injury.
1WARNING1WARNING
Use only fresh, uncontaminated D.O.T. 4 fluid. Cans of
fluid that have been opened may have been contami-
nated by moisture in the air or dirt. Use of contaminated
brake fluid may adversely affect braking ability and lead
to brake failure which could result in death or serious
injury
1WARNING1WARNING
Use only copper crush banjo washers (See Parts Catalog
for Part No.) with D.O.T. 4 brake fluid. Earlier silver banjo
washers are not compatible with D.O.T. 4 fluid and will
not seal properly over time. Failure to comply may
adversely affect braking ability and lead to brake failure
which could result in death or serious injury.
1WARNING1WARNING
Use denatured alcohol to clean brake system compo-
nents. Do not use mineral-based solvents (such as gaso-
line or paint thinner), which will deteriorate rubber parts
even after assembly. Deterioration of these components
can cause brake failure, which could result in death or
serious injury. (00291a)
1WARNING1WARNING
After repairing the brake system, test brakes at low
speed. If brakes are not operating properly, testing at
high speeds can cause loss of control, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00289a)
CAUTION
Cover molded-in-color surfaces and right handlebar
switches and use care when removing brake reservoir
cover and adding D.O.T. 4 brake fluid. Spilling D.O.T. 4
brake fluid on molded-in-color surfaces will result in cos-
metic damage. Spilling brake fluid on switches may ren-
der them inoperative.