Front brakes binding..

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I've just replaced the front discs and pads on my africa twin, it's had replacement second hand calipers which are in good condition.. I compressed the pistons fully in and I've greased everything that needs greasing, don't appear to have over-tightening the wheel either.

When I first put it together the wheel was almost seized solid, I can't see that I've done anything wrong at all so I rode it round the block and now it spins easily but it still sounds like its rubbing a bit.

Is this normal when fitting complete new discs and pads?? I can't see how anything is done wrong and it's a lot better since I rode round the block. Bit paranoid of warping the new discs as they cost me a fortune!

New brake pads are mahoosive though so I'm guessing they just need to wear down a bit and it'll all be alreet? Confused

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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

505fatboy · L Plate Warrior Joined: 13 May 2010 Karma :

FOR THE MOST PART EVERY TIME I REPLACE BRAKE PADS THEY TEND TO MAKE A BIT OF NOISE FOR A DAY OR TWO MAYBE CUZ THEY ARE JUST A BIT THICK? BUT IT DOES GO AWAY, IF IT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU CANNOT GET RID OF OR LIVE WITH i BELIVE THEY SELL A SPRAY THAT WILL ELIMINATE THAT NOISE. BUT AFTER ALL IT IS TWO PARTS THAT ARE BASICALLY RUBBING TOGETHER ALL THE TIME SO A LITTLE NOISE IS OK? YEAH?

finpos · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2005 Karma :

Prop the bike up a bit and try and spin the front wheel. Although it won't whizz around like if the callipers were not fitted it should be free-ish - if it grinds to a halt depressingly quickly or won't spin freely at all, you'll need to do something about it.

As you've shoved the pistons in and fitted new pads, the calliper seals are now acting on a bit of the piston that was underneath the dust boot but nevertheless exposed to grot; and the tiniest bit of grot will mess things up. In the first instance take it all apart again, pump out the pistons as far as you dare, remove the dust boot and scrub the pistons up with a toothbrush and brake cleaner or even soapy water. Push the pistons back in and pump them out a couple of times.

Re-assemble and hope for the best!

f.

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Disc brake pads rub against the disc in all hydraulic disc brake systems.
The reason is the design of the seals around the pistons.
These type/shape of seals will allow the piston free movement towards the disc/pad (Brake On) but only allow slight movement away/off the disc/pad. (Brake Off)
This is to provide a self-adjustment.
It will do no harm and the wear is negligible.

But the wheel should spin freely with just the Shhhhhh of the pads kissing the disc/s.

Smile

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Cigaro · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Karma :

They are the right pads, yeah?

Only because I've been supplied pads of the wrong thickness before (for a car) and couldn't even get the calliper back over the disk.

Mind you, if you didn't have any problems in this respect, I would definitely try cleaning the piston as described.

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Seems the calipers have seized up now that the pistons are fully in.. I've taken calipers off and stripped them down taken the pistons out, will soak in coca cola and clean up as best as I can and rebuild. Not spending out on a seal kit now so will just have to clean them best I can and hope for the best.
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes