rumble from front end using front brake
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rumble from front end using front brake
I have a 2005 Superglide. I am nowing getting the best way to describe it is a rumble sound and some vibration from the front end. It mainly happens within the first couple of minutes of rididng the bike at 15mph or less and using only the front brake to stop. If I use the rear and front can't get that vibration and sound. The vibration is not bad, but the rumble part is very baffling on what it could be. I checked all fastners and bolts ect. I looked at the front motor mount and it seemed ok and the bolts were tight.
After the first couple of minutes I might get a start of the rumble at a stop but not as continued or as bad as when I first start out riding.
The bike still has the orignal fork oil, motor mount and brake fluids. The brake pad still has plenty left on it. The mileage is 12,500 miles on the bike.
If ideas? Fork oil?
Thanks in advance
LeavenworthJeff
After the first couple of minutes I might get a start of the rumble at a stop but not as continued or as bad as when I first start out riding.
The bike still has the orignal fork oil, motor mount and brake fluids. The brake pad still has plenty left on it. The mileage is 12,500 miles on the bike.
If ideas? Fork oil?
Thanks in advance
LeavenworthJeff
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Huntington, NY
I would check the torque on the rotor just to be safe but it sounds like it could be warped. Did you overheat the brakes at all recently? Could also be pitting / rust on the rotor itself causing a pulsation too.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Out on Deranged
I don't think there is anything wrong with your brakes,my fatbob does that if my feet are off the pegs and I don't use the back brake for whatever reason.If your in the habit of using the front brake without the back-I would try to break that habit. Single disc in front all the bikes weight and momentum on there... If you do that on the highway, out of habit, in and emergency at speed you could really lose control fast.
(of course this could cause serious injury or death) like it says in the manual!
(of course this could cause serious injury or death) like it says in the manual!
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Richmond, VA
I had a vibration on my 07 super glide, right about the time my feet were going to the ground when stopping at low speed. I pulled my rotor off and found that it was slightly warped. I don't remember overheating the front brake since I barely ever use it, but I have been told that riding in the rain and alot of stop and go can cause that front rotor to warp.
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I don't remember over heating the front brake. I don't normally only use the front brake at higher speeds. Again this is at 15 mph or less and right before coming to a complete stop. I haven't gone down any twisties or mountain sides. LOL I have ridden in a pretty good down pour a couple weeks back, but that was out on the highway. I think this problem has gone on for a month or two, but now it is getting more noticable.
LeavenworthJeff
LeavenworthJeff
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From: USA
Before you do anything. Go to autozone or AAP and get a can of brakekleen spray and clean the front brake liberally. Might be a little glaze or dirt on the pads. Brakekleen won't take glaze off but try it for $4. If you have to replace the pads and get into it then check the rotor for warp and get a set of Lyndall pads. Make sure you flush the brake reservoir & system as well.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Here's another trick. Take the pads out, file a beveled edge on the brake pads, reinstall, this will /should prevent the edge of the pad from rubbing in the vent slots causing a noise. My pads on occasion will make a noise at slow speed braking.
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Finally tried some different things. Changed the fork oil to the 15 wt (Screaming Eagle), and changed the brake pads to Lyndall Gold Z pads. Still no help. Took it to the dealer, they checked the front rotor to make sure it wasn't warped and tightened up the steering head bearings a little plus checked the front and back spokes. No change. So much like I told them when I got there I think my bearings needed to be re-packed, . So they re-packed the bearings and no more rumble when stopping with the front brake. Which since the bike had 16,500 miles on it, it would be due at the 20K servidce anyway. I guess I just wanted to post the solution in case the next guy has a similiar issue.
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