My front calipers are dragging!

ch-ch-ch-ch noise of the pads on the rotors.

I had installed new pads, and caliper pistons slid in nicely when I changed them.

09 ABS FLHTP

About 500 miles on the new front pads and I do abuse them, but there is noticeable wear on the inner pads already.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

How many revolutions, or free spin do you get on the front wheel with the front wheel raised off the ground?

 

maybe a couple....had it on the stand last night...tried to listen if it was only one side, seems they both do it...took off one caliper to determine that.

 

A couple is really, really good. I'd say as long as there's no metal on metal contact it's normal. Meaning the caliper isn't rubbing on the rotor.

Only thing is how the pads are wearing could be an issue. What kind of pads? How hot are the rotors getting after a decent ride? Also since your bike is an 09 have you ever flushed / changed the fluid?

 

Did you clean the pistons off really really good? I had the same problem when I changed mine. Skimped on the cleaning part. They *seemed* to slide in easy, but wouldn't retract fully after the brakes had been applied.

 

I think I will have to give each one some special attention this weekend...

Thanks, I'll report back.

 

i had the brake drag issue as well went through all the usual "fixes" and then decided to have the wheel bearings changes. Solved the issue completely

 

Bearings are basically new....but yeah, good idea.

 

understand that there will always be an amount of pressure from the pads "rubbing" on the rotors. Disc brakes do not have a mechanism to pull the pads away from the rotor so there is not contact. The rubber seals do allow the pads to retract enough there is not a locked or high pressure issue. You will always have brake drag. If your wheel rotates a couple times that is good. If you have brake lining on the pads and there is no metal to metal rubbing, that's good. Also remember the pad material is not that thick on bike pads, so if it looks thin, it actually may still have a lot of useful wear.
do not mistake a little noise in the brakes as a sign of urgent repair!!!

 

Since you've stated you can free spin it several revolutions and you've ridden 500 hard miles, it's probably normal.

Disc brakes are designed to lightly rest on the rotor. It is only an issue if they are resting with too much force. This would be evident by not being able to free spin the wheel a few revolutions while off the ground or by the rotors leaving blue streaks (getting too hot).