Floating brake rotor?

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Jan 23, 2014 | 04:16 PM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

Floating brake rotor?

UPS dropped off the new front brake rotor for my Switchback wheels. I went to mount it with the chrome bolts I bought from Colony. When mounted the rotor isn't held tight against the wheel by the bolts. I looks like the shoulder built into the bolts is a little to long. The rotor is the same used on '06 Dyna's with cast wheels and V-Rods. Is this what's meant by the term "floating rotor?"

Thanks,

Matt

Jan 23, 2014 | 04:58 PM

O-Town D

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From: Bay Area, NorCal

Don't think so. A 'floating' rotor is a 2-piece brake disc - the outer friction area secured to the center plate by nickel-sized rivets with a little 'give' between the two plates, hence the term 'floating' (see thumbnail). A solid rotor (older models) is a single disc plate. In either case the center plate is bolted solidly to the wheel hub. Sounds like you may need a different set of bolts to go with the new brake rotors - do not ride until the disc is properly secured to the wheel. Good luck.
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Jan 23, 2014 | 06:15 PM

seniorsuperglideE8

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

Clean out the threads on the wheel and make sure you have the correct length bolts. Sounds like the bolts you are trying to use are a little too long and your rotor is not secured to the wheel.

Jan 23, 2014 | 06:20 PM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

I didn't think it seemed right, they're going back to J&P.

Thanks for the help,

Matt

Jan 23, 2014 | 08:03 PM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

I think the bolts are incorrect. They're not too long, there's a smooth shank below the head that rests against the rotor, that's what is too long. For the time being I put a lock washer under each bolt head and that works for now. I will be ordering the correct from HD tomorrow.

Thanks,

Matt

Jan 23, 2014 | 08:12 PM

RANGER73

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From: Beyond Fucital

Some after market rotors need to be shimmed with washers or spacers.

Jan 24, 2014 | 07:58 AM

DesertDyna

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From: Glendale, AZ

You originally said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by machm1969

When mounted the rotor isn't held tight against the wheel by the bolts.

Can you show us a picture of what you mean? Regardless of the bolts...your rotor should still be completely flat against the mounting surface. Also check your brake caliper alignment to ensure the new rotor is going to be centered.