Brakes
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
From: Shenandoah Valley, VA
Brakes
2001 DWG.
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Just changed my brake pads both front and rear. Rear brake still feels a little spongy and not much pedal. Front brake feels rock solid with not much play in the leverbrakes engage as soon as I grab the lever. Wheels spin pretty free in that I can roll the bike with ease (same as before putting the new pads in) but the rotors seem to get very hot. Is this normal?
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Just changed my brake pads both front and rear. Rear brake still feels a little spongy and not much pedal. Front brake feels rock solid with not much play in the leverbrakes engage as soon as I grab the lever. Wheels spin pretty free in that I can roll the bike with ease (same as before putting the new pads in) but the rotors seem to get very hot. Is this normal?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
RE: Brakes
So your good with the front?
On the back, have you checked the brake fluid? Does it feel like air in the lines, maybe they need to be bled?
How many miles on the rotor? Is it still within thickness spec?
What kind of pads did you use? How did it fell before?
They get hot!
On the back, have you checked the brake fluid? Does it feel like air in the lines, maybe they need to be bled?
How many miles on the rotor? Is it still within thickness spec?
What kind of pads did you use? How did it fell before?
They get hot!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
RE: Brakes
Did you just replace the pads? \\; Is your caliper sticking?
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Check out this site owned by a forum member. \\; There is a link \\;explaining how to do a quality brake job.
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www.motorcyclemetal.com
 \\;
Check out this site owned by a forum member. \\; There is a link \\;explaining how to do a quality brake job.
 \\;
www.motorcyclemetal.com
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
From: Shenandoah Valley, VA
RE: Brakes
Thanks for the quick replies. I used HD break pads. Bike has 7500 miles. Fluid level was good in both cyclinders. I did not bleed the brakes after installation but will do so. On another note, I purchased the bike used just a few weeks ago with 6500 miles and knew I would I have to replace the brake pads and tires. Maybe the question has to many variables but should I look to replace brakes and tires (currently Dunlaps) every 8 to 10K miles?
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I also have a `07 sportster with 17K and just did the brakes and tires on it and the bike is ridden hard.
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I also have a `07 sportster with 17K and just did the brakes and tires on it and the bike is ridden hard.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
RE: Brakes
Please read what the members are saying and find the source of the problem. You have a problem and new tires will not fix it. Your wheels should roll freely with no drag. Your rotor should only get hot when you use them. Try going around a long block and use the other brake to stop than feel the unused brake for heat. \\; Repete until you have fixed the problem. \\; Now go on to the next wheel. \\; There should be so little friction that your wheel should make 2-3 rotations with a easy spin (wheel is off the ground). All the tools are availlable right here to fix the problem.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Brakes
Bleed that rear brake. I had the same problem when I replaced the brake pads on my 03 Wideglide. The rotor may be hot for a little while until the new brake pads seat.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
RE: Brakes
Brake fluid should be replaced every two or three years. If yours has not been done it is way past time to do it. Instead of just bleeding them, keep putting fluid in until it comes out new at the bleeder valve. It will take a little more time but your brake feel will greatly improve.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
RE: Brakes
Don't the 06 &\\; 07 bikes pads touch the rotor all the time ? That is where all the brake dust comes from. My brake rotors get hot just from riding with no use. First time I noticed it I was freaked, but have been told it is normal.