Need some opinions on brakes/noise
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 130
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From: Maine
Need some opinions on brakes/noise
So I'll try to make this as short as possible. The other day I heard some whining/whirring noises coming from my rear wheel. when I got home I looked around briefly trying to figure out what was making the noise. I noticed my rear rotor was pretty hot, but I knew the brakes weren't the issue since the sound didn't change when I applied my rear brakes, and I could roll the bike in neutral. I thought it could be a bearing after doing some searches on here.
This morning I put my bike up on the jack and found that the belt was rubbing the plastic guard (bottom one) just a hair. I tried to pull the plastic away a bit. I took it for a short test ride and the sound was gone (for now anyway). I would guess I found the problem. If it were a bearing I would assume the sound wouldn't come and go. What say you?
Now getting to the brake situation. I did a search and found that I should ride a few miles not using the rear brake and then check the rotor. This will let me know if there is an issue. I did this test and the rotor was not hot, only slightly warm. I did try to spin the tire while in neutral (on the jack) and it only did 1/2 a rotation due to the pads slightly touching. My front tire spun 2 or 3 rotations. Would you have the rear brake looked at or does this sound normal?
The reason I ask is... I intially called the stealership and scheduled an appointment to check these things out, but think I'm going to cancel now and save my $$
Thanks in advance for advice/opinions,
Alan
This morning I put my bike up on the jack and found that the belt was rubbing the plastic guard (bottom one) just a hair. I tried to pull the plastic away a bit. I took it for a short test ride and the sound was gone (for now anyway). I would guess I found the problem. If it were a bearing I would assume the sound wouldn't come and go. What say you?
Now getting to the brake situation. I did a search and found that I should ride a few miles not using the rear brake and then check the rotor. This will let me know if there is an issue. I did this test and the rotor was not hot, only slightly warm. I did try to spin the tire while in neutral (on the jack) and it only did 1/2 a rotation due to the pads slightly touching. My front tire spun 2 or 3 rotations. Would you have the rear brake looked at or does this sound normal?
The reason I ask is... I intially called the stealership and scheduled an appointment to check these things out, but think I'm going to cancel now and save my $$
Thanks in advance for advice/opinions,
Alan
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
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From: Cleveland Zoo
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Maine
LOL.... I agree I shouldn't take it to a place called a stealership.
Anyone else have any knowledge of brake tolerances?
Anyone else had a problem with the final drive belt rubbing and making noises?
Anyone else have any knowledge of brake tolerances?
Anyone else had a problem with the final drive belt rubbing and making noises?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 26
From: Mid-Michigan
Final belt drive, yes. Just loosen it up and adjust as needed. Had the same noise that you describe and when I adjusted it out the noise stopped and hasn't returned.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
If the belt is loose it will make a noise similiar to little birdies. Also if the belt has moisture inside from washing or rain. Only take a few days for the moisture do go bye bye though. Um good luck.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
I've been dealing with the same brake issue but on the Front.
rebuilt the calipers...but it seems the pucks are retracting to slow..
How do I know?
Sits overnight no "brake drag sounds"
as soon as I use the front brake the drag returns.
So I'll be troubleshooting it further..
Yes I cleaned the whole brake fluid system
just returned from 4100 mile trip and it got pretty annoying..but maybe 10-15 degrees warmer left side to right
rebuilt the calipers...but it seems the pucks are retracting to slow..
How do I know?
Sits overnight no "brake drag sounds"
as soon as I use the front brake the drag returns.
So I'll be troubleshooting it further..
Yes I cleaned the whole brake fluid system
just returned from 4100 mile trip and it got pretty annoying..but maybe 10-15 degrees warmer left side to right
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 858
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I am fighting a front caliper "rattle"
When I am going slow speeds and down shifting or pulling in the clutch where the engine is in the RPM range that it vibrates the most...the front caliper will rattle. (front fork shakes)
I can pull the brake and it will stop or I can pull just on the front brake line to put some tension on the caliper and it will stop.
I can grab the caliper by hand and shake it and get some movement which is why it will rattle
I have had the caliper off and I have even changed the brake pads but no change
I am starting to think there may be some piece missing that I am unaware should be there to prevent the rattle
By the way, it is not the pads rattling, it is the actual caliper shaking
any ideas?
When I am going slow speeds and down shifting or pulling in the clutch where the engine is in the RPM range that it vibrates the most...the front caliper will rattle. (front fork shakes)
I can pull the brake and it will stop or I can pull just on the front brake line to put some tension on the caliper and it will stop.
I can grab the caliper by hand and shake it and get some movement which is why it will rattle
I have had the caliper off and I have even changed the brake pads but no change
I am starting to think there may be some piece missing that I am unaware should be there to prevent the rattle
By the way, it is not the pads rattling, it is the actual caliper shaking
any ideas?
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