INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

HELP CENTER
SEARCH

What can we help you find?

Help Center Home / Article

4/6/2023

2014+ Chieftain Brake System Inspection and Maintenance
Indian Chieftain Brake System Inspection and Maint…
Maint…

Required Tools and Supplies
Shop Rags
Safety Glasses
Brake Rotor Measurement
Brake Fluid
Tool
Mirror
8mm Allen Socket
Ratchet

Flashlight

Nitrile Gloves
All-Purpose Grease
Phillips and Flathead
Screwdrivers
Phillips Socket

10mm Socket
Torque
Safety Glasses & Nitrile Gloves
Wrench

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 Indian Chieftain, follow these steps:

1. Position the motorcycle on level ground in the fully upright position. An assistant can be used to
keep the bike in the upright position.
2. Starting at the front reservoir, position the handlebars straight ahead to ensure an accurate
reading.
3. Check the fluid level through the sight glass with a flashlight. The fluid level should be above the
minimum indicator mark on the sight glass.
4. Before adding fluid, wipe the area with a clean cloth.
5. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two cover fasteners and remove the cover.
6. Then remove the diaphragm. Do not allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces, or paint
damage may occur.
7. Add fluid as needed. Do not overfill. A 12-ounce bottle (355 mL) of DOT 4 Brake Fluid is part
number 2880016.
8. Reinstall the diaphragm, cover and fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 14 in-lbs (2 Nm).
9. Clean any residual fluid off the vehicle to prevent paint damage.
10. Next, lubricate the pivot pin and brake lever hinge point.
11. Start by removing the bottom nut with a 10mm socket.
12. Then unscrew with a flat-head screwdriver and push up to remove the pivot pin.
13. Pull the brake lever out.
14. Clean off any old grease or dirt from the pivot pin and lever hinge.
15. Lubricate the pivot pin and brake lever hinge point with all-purpose grease.
16. Reinstall the brake lever and align the pin hole.
17. Reinstall the pivot pin fully.
18. Then reinstall the nut. Torque to 60 in-lbs (6.6 Nm).
19. Clean any residual grease off the bike.
20. Ensure proper operation of the brake lever.
21. Inspect the banjo bolts on the inside of the master cylinder for leaks.

22. Follow the brake lines from the front junction block to the front brake calipers, looking for any
leaks, kinks or damage.
23. Inspect the banjo bolts for leaks at the front calipers.
24. Then position an inspection mirror at the back side of each caliper to view the friction material.
Replace when the thinnest point of the friction material has worn to the service limit indicator
groove. The service limit is 1 mm (0.04 inches).
25. Then inspect both front brake rotors for wear or damage. Clean as needed per your Owner’s
Manual guidelines.
26. Measure the thickness of each brake rotor at four or more locations. Replace any rotor that is
damaged or worn to the minimum thickness at any point. The service limit is 4.5 mm (0.18 inches).
27. Inspect the front ABS tone ring for damaged teeth and the wheel speed sensor for excessive
debris.
28. Next, move to the rear fluid reservoir near the rear brake pedal on the right side of the bike.
29. Ensuring the bike is still level, check the fluid level with a flashlight. The fluid level should be
above the minimum indicator mark on the reservoir body.
30. Before adding fluid, wipe the area with a clean cloth.
31. With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two cover fasteners and remove the cover.
32. Then remove the diaphragm. Do not allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces, or paint
damage may occur.
33. Add fluid as needed. Do not overfill.
34. Reinstall the diaphragm, cover and fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 7 in-lbs (1 Nm).
35. Clean any residual fluid off the vehicle to prevent paint damage.
36. Remove the left upper side cover by pulling the corners out evenly to disengage each tab from
the rubber grommets.
37. To remove each saddlebag:
First, disconnect the saddlebag lock connector near the seat.
Next, press the lid latch release button and lift the lid.
Remove the two saddlebag fasteners with a 6mm Allen socket.
Finally, tilt the saddlebag out and lift up to remove.

38. Next, inspect for leaks on the banjo bolts at the rear master cylinder.
39. Follow the rear brake line from the rear brake reservoir to the ABS module.
40. Continue by following the rear brake lines to the rear caliper banjo bolt, looking for any leaks,
kinks or damage. Also, ensure the brake line retainers are properly secured.
41. Then inspect the rear brake pads and rotors and replace any that are worn to their minimum
thickness. The rear rotor service limit is 0.26 inches (6.5mm).
42. Inspect the rear ABS tone ring and wheel sensor.
43. If inspection reveals a need for service or replacement, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle
Dealer.
44. To reinstall the saddlebags:
Place each bag in a fully seated position on the muffler.
Reinstall the saddlebag fasteners. Torque to 18 ft-lbs (24 Nm).

45. Reconnect the electrical wiring if necessary, and ensure the saddlebags are mounted properly.
46. Align the three side panel grommets and reinstall the side panel.
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.
YouTube® is a registered trademark of Google LLC
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
© 2022 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
Was this article helpful?
Yes, it answers my question
No, it's missing information or visuals
No, the instructions are unclear
No, What are the next steps?
No, I'm experiencing a technical error
Other

* [-] How can we improve this article? We'd love to hear your suggestions
Tell us what you would like to see in this article

SEND
Keyword(s) video , maintenance , inspect , inspecting , brake , brakes ,

HELPFUL LINKS
Parts, Accessories and Apparel
Owner's Manuals
Indian Motorcycle Protection Plan
Special Offers
Recalls
Indian Motorcycle Lubricants

CONTACT US
BY E-MAIL
Send us an e-mail inquiry.

CLICK TO CALL

BY DEALER
Locate the nearest dealer in your area.

Find A Dealer Near You
Enter City, State or Zip Code

55033

SEARCH

Use Current Location

Filter By (Optional)
Show dealers that offer online service scheduling

SUBSCRIBE NOW
FIND A DEALER
US-ENGLISH

MOTORCYCLES
SHOPPING TOOLS
ASSISTANCE
OWNER RESOURCES
ABOUT US
© 2023 Indian Motorcycle
Site Map
Privacy
Cookie Preferences

Terms
Accessibility
Careers
Global Sites

Reset Filters