Brakes seizing in traffic

The Disapproving Brit · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Karma :

If I'm in slow traffic where I'm having to use the front brakes a lot, it will start to stick, getting gradually worse and worse. Earlier this week, it got to the point where the front wheel was smoking by the time I could safely pull over.

I'm looking to change the brake fluid and pads at the weekend - is this likely to be all it is? It's an old VF400, so it's got the Honda inboard ventilated discs on it.
____________________
Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

m3-paul · Spanner Monkey Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Karma :

Sounds more like the calipers need a refurb. Get new seals and clean up the pistons as start in my opinion.
____________________
Yamaha TZR250 - love the smell of TTS!!!!
CBR900RR Fireblade - so much fun

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

At the very least pump out the piston and give it a good clean. Push it back in and repeat until it's moving better. If you're very careful you might be able to remove the seals, clean out the corrosion and crud behind and refit but based upon your post I'd be looking at doing a full rebuild.

Do it before they spit you off the bike.

Guzzirat · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 14 Nov 2011 Karma :

Check that the brake lever is letting the master cylinder piston return fully and that the piston itself is not sticking. If this happens then the fluid can't return to the reservoir and the brakes will bind as things heat up and expand.

Islander · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Aug 2012 Karma :

All of the above and check that the calipers are sliding freely on their mounting pins. Don't leave this - if the brakes seize on when your moving at any speed then it'll spit you off.

The Disapproving Brit · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Karma :

Thanks guys...looks like she's having a good strip down and rebuild tomorrow then!
____________________
Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

whitedevil · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Nov 2010 Karma :

Also worth a mention that you should be using rear brake and clutch to control the bike a low speed. It takes a while to get the hang of it but when you do you will find the bike a lot easier to flick about.
____________________
GPZ500 sold ~ CBR600FS-2 sold ~ ZX6R sold ~ Street Triple R