2017 linked brakes issues

[Mykneesbehurtin]

My 2017 has a linked braking system , not ABS. After about a year after getting it [ new] I had the left front brake caliper fail to release completely and it turned the rotor very dark. The caliper and rotor were replaced under warranty, so last summer the replaced caliper did it again. So, this time I removed the caliper and pumped the brakes to make the pistons move out and cleaned the caliper and pistons with brake clean then reinstalled, then the right caliper did it while riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, so in a parking lot I removed the caliper and cleaned again. Well it happened last weekend again, now keep in mind I have always had the brake fluid replaced as required and it is always the front calipers and never the rear. The front calipers are 6 piston calipers so finding aftermarket calipers are out of the question because no one makes a caliper with two hoses except for HD [Brembo]. So I have just a few options, 1 replace with factory calipers which I don't think will help 2 replacing with Performance Machine 4 piston calipers and making the front and rear systems separate. 3 replace front brake line assembly hoping that will fix the issue. I have my doubts that it is the hose assemblies since it has happened to both front calipers at different times. I am just stumped by this.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I would try a rebuild of the caliper first

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Harley doesn't offer rebuild kits so I would have to try another source.

 

[Koolbreeze]

I would also check the master cylinder to ensure the brake fluid was returning through the little bleed hole at the bottom of the master and not getting plugged up not allowing the fluid to release in the caliper.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I would also check the master cylinder to ensure the brake fluid was returning through the little bleed hole at the bottom of the master and not getting plugged up not allowing the fluid to release in the caliper.

Good idea, thanks.

 

[DOKK]

Arlen Ness makes a 6 piston caliper. They're not cheap though. Not sure about price comparison with HD.

Edit: Performance Machine is also showing a 6 piston as well.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Good idea, thanks.

You can also check the caliper for not returning fluid by cracking a bleeder open, if this is happening you will have a good stream of fluid coming out, do this after a short ride with some heavy braking

It could also be a front brake hose internal blockage

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Arlen Ness makes a 6 piston caliper. They're not cheap though. Not sure about price comparison with HD.

Edit: Performance Machine is also showing a 6 piston as well.

True but my calipers have two brake hoses each.

 

[Dan SC]

You don`t see many posts on any forums about the late model calipers having issues.

If the calipers release when you crack open the bleeder, it tells you the issue is upstream of the caliper.

 

[headheaded]

I went though this on my 15 tri-glide. My right caliper did this very thing. I remove both of them and ran the pistons out as far as i dare and cleaned the with brake cleaner and a old tooth brush. I then sprayed some silicone spray on the o-rings and reinstalled.

No problems since and i am coming up on needing new pads. They cheaped out on these calipers by not using dust seals on them. No dust seals allow dirt to build up in the bores.