Front caliper install question
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 5
Front caliper install question
Hello,
I am in the process of tightening up my brake caliper after putting new aftermarket chrome lowers on my 98 Dyna Wide Glide (the fork tubes were off the bike).
I've followed the torquing steps according to the Manual of pinch bolts, fender, front wheel then caliper and I notice the brake disc rides against the inside fixed brake pad and I can't remember if this is normal. It isn't dragging or causing resistance, just making a skimming noise as i spin the wheel.
I've been a little paranoid of this last step considering I bought the aftermarket Custom Chrome parts instead of sending orig. out to chrome and have been hoping everything is stock spec.
I know lots of you guys have swapped lowers here...any opinions are appreciated.
Oh, FYI, had dealership in past put new pads on -they said I needed new disk but didn't have one in stock and sent me on my way. Don't know if this a factor
I am in the process of tightening up my brake caliper after putting new aftermarket chrome lowers on my 98 Dyna Wide Glide (the fork tubes were off the bike).
I've followed the torquing steps according to the Manual of pinch bolts, fender, front wheel then caliper and I notice the brake disc rides against the inside fixed brake pad and I can't remember if this is normal. It isn't dragging or causing resistance, just making a skimming noise as i spin the wheel.
I've been a little paranoid of this last step considering I bought the aftermarket Custom Chrome parts instead of sending orig. out to chrome and have been hoping everything is stock spec.
I know lots of you guys have swapped lowers here...any opinions are appreciated.
Oh, FYI, had dealership in past put new pads on -they said I needed new disk but didn't have one in stock and sent me on my way. Don't know if this a factor
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Front caliper install question
The caliper "floats" and should move enough for slight clearance for the static pad. Make sure there is nothing binding the caliper preventing it from moving all the way back and forth. There should be no spacers between the disc and hub. If all this checks out, is it possible the pads are over size? Does the caliper have anti sqeal pads behind the brake pads, they may be too thick causing the interference. Good Luck!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Front caliper install question
Forgot to ask. Is this single or dual disc, if single disc you front wheel spacer might be the wrong size for the new front end. Also the dealer said you needed a new disc, is the offset different for this application?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 5
RE: Front caliper install question
Everything is the same, Single disc; same wheel spacers and brake pads etc . as before except the chrome sliders. The pad that moves into the piston should be ok . I haven't pumped the brake yet and it isn't anywhere near the disc.
I'm wondering if I could put a shim between the top caliper bolt contact areaand the slider contact point maybe that would offset the pad from the disc.
Or, I may just pull the wheel and spacers etc and retourque everything and try again...
I'm wondering if I could put a shim between the top caliper bolt contact areaand the slider contact point maybe that would offset the pad from the disc.
Or, I may just pull the wheel and spacers etc and retourque everything and try again...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Front caliper install question
At this point I can only think of one other thing, and that would be, are your forks aligned parallel, if twisted a little that could account for the misalignment of the caliper. I will restate that the caliper itself must be free to move back and forth on the lower leg. Is the chrome possibly hanging it up?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 897
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From:
RE: Front caliper install question
ORIGINAL: JDixon
Everything is the same, Single disc; same wheel spacers and brake pads etc . as before except the chrome sliders. The pad that moves into the piston should be ok . I haven't pumped the brake yet and it isn't anywhere near the disc.
I'm wondering if I could put a shim between the top caliper bolt contact areaand the slider contact point maybe that would offset the pad from the disc.
Or, I may just pull the wheel and spacers etc and retourque everything and try again...
Everything is the same, Single disc; same wheel spacers and brake pads etc . as before except the chrome sliders. The pad that moves into the piston should be ok . I haven't pumped the brake yet and it isn't anywhere near the disc.
I'm wondering if I could put a shim between the top caliper bolt contact areaand the slider contact point maybe that would offset the pad from the disc.
Or, I may just pull the wheel and spacers etc and retourque everything and try again...
If you get a flashlight and take a look at the pistons on the caliper, They should be even. If one happens to be recessed more than the other after pumping the brake a few times you might have to shim the Caliper with a thin stainlesswasher, or one side will wear disproportinate (sp?) to the other. Could cause rotor to warp.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 5
RE: Front caliper install question
Thanks DeJavu and DynaFlyer, I check out those things when I get back to the bike .
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RE: Front caliper install question
just put my front wheel back on yesterday.
if it is just the noise of the pads on the rotors with no resistance to rolling; completely normal.
if it sounds metal to metal you may have an issue as noted above.
the pads will never completely retract from touching the rotors.
they just shouldnt resist movement when not applied.
sounds like you followed the steps and everything is ok.
nevers hurts to double check or triple check tho
if it is just the noise of the pads on the rotors with no resistance to rolling; completely normal.
if it sounds metal to metal you may have an issue as noted above.
the pads will never completely retract from touching the rotors.
they just shouldnt resist movement when not applied.
sounds like you followed the steps and everything is ok.
nevers hurts to double check or triple check tho
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 15
From: Senoia, Ga., by way of Miami, Fl..
RE: Front caliper install question
I would definitly work the brakes a bit to see if it fixes itself. The piston should move the caliper into its proper possition.. At least you came out better than me with my replacement lowers. I got mine and installed them before realizing that the left one was for a '00 WG. They take the 4 piston caliper.. So, I had to update.... Well, could be worse, I like it..
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