Front Brake Binding On New Pads Only

Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

So the issues with my brake have morphed into something new. This morning I removed the calipers, replaced the original seals (they were fine but I'd originally thought I'd change them anyway) and took out the dust seals in case they were causing problems with the pistons retracting. No luck, still binding.

However putting the old pads back in the binding has mysteriously gone! Thinking

The pistons were more of less spotless with only a couple of marks that I didn't feel rough at all.

Is it possible the new pads are slightly over-sized and will wear in or is there something stopping the piston from retracting properly when the pad is bigger?

tom_e · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Feb 2016 Karma :

New pads can bind slightly while they bed in, shouldn't be really bad but it'll be noticeable when you spin the wheel by hand.

Make sure your pistons are pushed all the way back in as well.

Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

davethekwak · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 25 Jan 2017 Karma :

Binding can also be caused by discs. Warped or ridged can create binding on new pads until the pads have worn past this point.
If the binding is consistent throughout and entire revolution of the wheel then unlikely to be warped disks, could still be caused by ridges.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Are the definitely the Right pads?

My TDM uses FA319/2 on the rear NOT FA319

FA319s are for FJR1200s and are about 2mm too thick.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
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Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

Petemate · Trackday Trickster Joined: 13 Nov 2015 Karma :

Given that they are correct pads, and made to the right specs regarding size and shape, are all the mating surfaces in the caliper body etc completely clean? Pads can resist full retraction back to the correct position if there is the slightest crud in the tiny crevices and corners. Even badly applied paint on the corners of the metal pad backing can have an effect - I have in the past frequently had to sand away blobs of paint from the corners of the pad metal. Also best to ensure that on all the moving parts only grease is (sparingly!) applied and copper grease only applied between the back of the pads and the caliper. I read somewhere years ago that copper grease can degenerate into tiny balls of copper and thus no good for moving parts.
HTH
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82 not out....1983 Honda LA250 Custom
2008 Saab 9-3 1.9 Tid 150 Vector Sport estate
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RhynoCZ · Super Spammer Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Karma :

OP, go for a short ride and don't use the brake in question. Then touch the brake disc/s in question. If piping hot, then you have a problem. If cold or mildly warm, then it's just a matter of time till it settles on its own.
Also, IF you can roll the motorcycle, then the brake binding is not as bad as you are describing it.

To speed things up, I used to go for a ride and slightly applied pressure on the brake lever/pedal while keeping the throttle open. That would wear the pads quicker. DO NOT over do this, DO NOT put more pressure on the brake lever/pedal then it's necessary. IF it's the front brake, then too much brake + throttle equals you crashing the motorcycle. Also, DO NOT overheat the brake.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, ~~'96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1~~, ~~'90 Honda CB-1~~, ~~'88 Kawasaki GPz550~~, ~~MZ 150 ETZ~~
~~'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI~~, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

tom_e · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Feb 2016 Karma :

If they're just a little warm after a mile then I'd say they're fine, if they were properly binding even with the rain you'd burn yourself on the disc if you touched it for more than a second or 2.

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

The plate above the pads? AFAIK it only stops the pads rattling, nothing else.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

Baffler186 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 May 2013 Karma :

They also sound ok to me. My brakes were binding on the Hondamatic, they were red hot to touch even after a 2 minute ride in freezing rain. I would leave them for now and check regularly. Even check them after 15 mins next time it's dry, but if they're binding to any serious extent then you wouldn't be able to touch them.
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