Put new brake pads on the front brake of my 1998 Fatboy, and now have a very distinct rattle. Goes away with a little pressure on the front break lever. I have taken it appart a couple of times, and compared to the manual and can find no parts missing. Would appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

 

Get the wrenches and screwdrivers out. Check every nut, bolt and screw everywhere. It might not have anything to do with the brakes. Vibrations are wierd. I had a bad one on my 99 Heritage that ended up being the headlight surround and it would come and go as I played with the clutch and brake.

 

ed, if you have the stock 2 piston brake that i had on my 99 check the spring clip that is installed on the mounting plate to make sure it is installed properly and that it is facing the right direction. do you have after market brakes? my current PM front brake has an anti rattle spring. check that for proper installation.

good luck

 

Pretty sure it is in the brake caliper. If you grab it and wiggle it you can hear the rattle. Will double check the surrounding hardware just to make sure. Thanks for the reply.

 

Thanks WillyP. Will take another look at the diagram. There is an anti rattle clip on the brake pad and I thought it was in correctly... but will take another look.

 

you need to clean the pistons. i had that and cleaned mine and it is all gone.
http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/service_tech.htm

http://www.cyclespot.com/lyndall_rac...es_install.htm

 

let us know what you find...

 

Good news! Took the caliper off again and noticed that the spring clip was not seated properly. Reinstalled correctly and the rattle went away. Should have been drinking scotch the first time I put it together. Thanks for all the advice.

 

Search is such a wonderful thing!!!

Having the same issue on my 96 Heritage. Thought maybe it was the headlight surround or something with the fender. Process of eliminatin proved both these were not the issue leaving the brakes or the springs in the left fork tube.

I'll have a look-see at the spring in the caliper this weekend, weather permiting. It is afterall Spring and we have real seasons here thank God.

On the same subject, is it normal for the right side gas cap to rattle and not lock down tight like the left side does? I realize the right side is vented but didnt know if that was the cause of this annoying rattle.