Brake Rotors
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 138
From: here
Brake Rotors
Anyone have experience with getting front brake rotors turned. This is a 2009 FXDF with drilled rotors.
Front brakes are getting a bit grabby coming to a slow stop. Have already tried cleaning the disks and pads. Also pulled the pads and scuffed slightly with light sandpaper. That seemed to help for a while but back to jerky stops again after just a few hundred miles.
The reason for the question is that I called the dealer to get a set point on price, what would they charge to turn both rotors. Their response was Harley Davidson won't turn rotors. Obviously they want to sell new $120 each, but I really don't think these are that bad, only 17K on the bike.
So, anyway, has anyone ever had their front rotors turned and how do you feel about it?
How much did it cost and did you get what you paid for or would you have gone new if you had to do it over again?
Thanks,
t
Front brakes are getting a bit grabby coming to a slow stop. Have already tried cleaning the disks and pads. Also pulled the pads and scuffed slightly with light sandpaper. That seemed to help for a while but back to jerky stops again after just a few hundred miles.
The reason for the question is that I called the dealer to get a set point on price, what would they charge to turn both rotors. Their response was Harley Davidson won't turn rotors. Obviously they want to sell new $120 each, but I really don't think these are that bad, only 17K on the bike.
So, anyway, has anyone ever had their front rotors turned and how do you feel about it?
How much did it cost and did you get what you paid for or would you have gone new if you had to do it over again?
Thanks,
t
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
I think...I would try changing the pads first. Go to an up-grade of low dust ceramic's... They put low end pads on at the factory, I'm thinking.
You should see a good improvement..
Just my .02 Hope this helps.
Best wishes...Tim (HT)
You should see a good improvement..
Just my .02 Hope this helps.
Best wishes...Tim (HT)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Drilled rotors are not recommended for machining as far as I know, you are causing trouble. What does 'getting a bit grabby coming to a slow stop' mean? I would check the caliper sliders first, they might be seized.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 138
From: here
When rolling to a slow stop constant pressure on the brake lever, the brakes pulse .. grab release grab release. Not apparent until speeds below 10 mph, maybe first barely noticeable at about 15 mph.
Just cleaned everything, so pretty sure the pads are free to move around in the calipers.
When I put the bike on my lift and spin the wheel it definitely has one spot in the rotation where one of the the rotors hits the pads, very slight but makes enough of a sound to know it's not exactly true. Problem is I don't have micrometer and stand to tell which one and exactly where it's hitting.
Read in some posts here that people were using cresent wrenches to tweak their rotors when they saw / felt this, not sure if I even want to consider that so was asking about turning, but have also heard not recommended for drilled rotors.
Hate to spend that much on somehting that's just on the verge.
Just cleaned everything, so pretty sure the pads are free to move around in the calipers.
When I put the bike on my lift and spin the wheel it definitely has one spot in the rotation where one of the the rotors hits the pads, very slight but makes enough of a sound to know it's not exactly true. Problem is I don't have micrometer and stand to tell which one and exactly where it's hitting.
Read in some posts here that people were using cresent wrenches to tweak their rotors when they saw / felt this, not sure if I even want to consider that so was asking about turning, but have also heard not recommended for drilled rotors.
Hate to spend that much on somehting that's just on the verge.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 4
From: Out and about
Never heard of anyone turning rotors on a motorcycle, ever. Even if it were possible which I think it isn't, I would recommend against it as there isn't much thickness to them to begin with. Aftermarket rotors aren't that expensive and taking a silly chance with an important piece of equipment would be unwise. Like others have said, check the pads, check the pistons, if needed replace the rotors.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
The front calipers on the FXDF are not 'floating' calipers like the rear... there are no pins to lube.
It sounds like you may have a warped/defective rotor by the way you describe the 'grab' in one spot when you spin the front wheel.
If the bike is still under it's 2 year warranty take it into the dealer. My guess is that the warranty just expired.
If that's the case then check the rotors 'flatness' with a straight edge. Raise the front of the bike & check multiple locations...
If theres even the slightest discontinuity or any roughness/grooving in the surface of the rotor... replace it with OEM (not cheap ebay) parts.
It sounds like you may have a warped/defective rotor by the way you describe the 'grab' in one spot when you spin the front wheel.
If the bike is still under it's 2 year warranty take it into the dealer. My guess is that the warranty just expired.
If that's the case then check the rotors 'flatness' with a straight edge. Raise the front of the bike & check multiple locations...
If theres even the slightest discontinuity or any roughness/grooving in the surface of the rotor... replace it with OEM (not cheap ebay) parts.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Brake pulsating usually occurs at high speed braking, I can bet you anything changing the rotor will not fix the problem.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
Anyone have experience with...
Front brakes are getting a bit grabby coming to a slow stop. Have already tried cleaning the disks and pads. Also pulled the pads and scuffed slightly with light sandpaper. That seemed to help for a while but back to jerky stops again after just a few hundred miles.
...Thanks,
t
Front brakes are getting a bit grabby coming to a slow stop. Have already tried cleaning the disks and pads. Also pulled the pads and scuffed slightly with light sandpaper. That seemed to help for a while but back to jerky stops again after just a few hundred miles.
...Thanks,
t