Foundation components: master cylinderRecall 78V-159 · Harley-Davidson vehicles
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO. recall 78V-159 covers 342 Harley-Davidson vehicles for a foundation components: master cylinder problem, reported to NHTSA on July 19, 1978.
Source: NHTSA recall 78V159000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
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.
The fix
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from June 1, 1978 to June 1, 1978. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.