Harley-davidson Recall 78V159000: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Foundation Components, Master Cylinder

NHTSA recall 78V159000 · announced July 19, 1978 · filed by Harley-davidson Motor Co. · 342 units affected

The problem

THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS IN WHICH THE PLUNGER PISTON BORE DIAMETER WAS HONED .015 INCHES OVER MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS. THIS OVERSIZED BORE RESULTS IN A POOR FIT BETWEEN THE ELASTOMERIC PISTON CUP AND THE CYLINDER BORE, WHICH ALLOWS FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

What to do

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Official NHTSA recall notice →

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FLUID DEPLETION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKINGEFFECTIVENESS, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: INSUFFICIENT BRAKE FLUID IN THE SYSTEM MAY BE INDICATED BY FLUID LEAKAGEAROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER AND INCREASED FREE PLAY IN THE HAND LEVER.

Vehicles covered by this recall

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.