2022+ Chief Brake System Inspection and Maintenance

To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide. 

Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Indian Motorcycle. To inspect and maintain the brake system on your model year 2022 and newer Indian Chief, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Super Chief or Super Chief limited, follow these steps:

1. Park the motorcycle on a flat, level surface in the fully upright position.

2. With the handlebars pointing straight ahead, inspect the fluid level in the front brake reservoir through the sight glass. A flashlight can be used to illuminate the reservoir in dark areas.

3. If fluid is needed, clean the area with a clean cloth.

4. Remove the two cover fasteners with a Phillips screwdriver. 

5. Lift the cover and diaphragm off and set aside. 

6. Add brake fluid as needed. Do not overfill. A 12-ounce bottle of DOT 4 Barke Fluid is part number 2880016.

7. Reinstall the diaphragm, cover and fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 13 in-lbs (1.4 Nm).

8. Before continuing, clean any residual fluid off the vehicle to prevent paint damage.

9. Move to the brake lever hinge point, and remove the bottom nut with a 10mm socket. 

10. Remove the pivot pin with a flathead screwdriver, and pull the brake lever out.

11. Clean off any old grease or dirt from the pivot pin and brake lever. 

12. Lubricate the pivot pin and brake lever hinge point with all-purpose grease. 

13. Clean any old grease from the brake lever bracket, and lubricate with all-purpose grease.

14. Reinstall the brake lever, and align the pin hole. 

15. Reinstall the pivot pin fully. 

16. Reinstall the nut. Torque to 53 in-lbs (6 Nm).

17. Before continuing, clean any residual grease off the bike, and ensure proper operation of the brake lever.

18. Inspect the banjo bolts on the inside of the master cylinder for leaks.

19. Follow the brake lines from the front junction block to the front brake calipers, looking for any leaks, kinks or damage. Also, ensure the retention clip is properly secured.

20. Inspect the connections at the front brake caliper for leaks. 

21. Position an inspection mirror at the back side of the caliper to view the friction material. Replace when the thinnest point of the friction material has worn to the service limit indicator groove.

22. Continue by measuring the thickness of the front brake rotor at four or more locations. Replace the rotor if damaged or worn to the minimum thickness of 4.5 mm (0.18 inches) at any point.

23. Move to the rear fluid reservoir near the rear brake pedal on the right side of the bike.

24. Ensuring the bike is level, inspect the fluid level while using a flashlight as needed. 

25. If fluid is needed, clean the area with a clean cloth.

26. Remove the two cover fasteners with a Phillips screwdriver. 

27. Lift the cover and diaphragm off and set aside. 

28. Add fluid as needed. Do not overfill. 

29. Reinstall the diaphragm, cover and fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 15 in-lbs (2 Nm). 

30. Before continuing, clean any residual fluid off the vehicle to prevent paint damage.

31. Inspect for leaks on the banjo bolts at the rear master cylinder.

32. Continue to the rear caliper banjo bolt, looking for any leaks, kinks or damage. 

33. Inspect the rear brake pads and rotors, and replace any that are worn to their minimum thickness.

34. If inspection reveals a need for service or replacement, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. 

For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

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