Excessive Front Brake Lever Play
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod
Excessive Front Brake Lever Play
I have a 2012 Dyna Super Glide Custom.
Frequently, when using the brake lever, I notice it takes a squeeze or two to get rid of free play. The dealer said they see this often in 2012 bikes and have tried bleeding and even replacing the master cylinders with no success. They say nothing has come down from Harley about this problem yet. This would be unacceplable in my car with four brakes, let alone my bike with only two. I wonder if there was a bad lot of master cylinders or if the caliper piston seals are pulling the pistons back too far. There does not seem to be any wobble in the rotor which would create a need to pump up the brake every time the wheel turned.
Anyone else experience this problem???
Frequently, when using the brake lever, I notice it takes a squeeze or two to get rid of free play. The dealer said they see this often in 2012 bikes and have tried bleeding and even replacing the master cylinders with no success. They say nothing has come down from Harley about this problem yet. This would be unacceplable in my car with four brakes, let alone my bike with only two. I wonder if there was a bad lot of master cylinders or if the caliper piston seals are pulling the pistons back too far. There does not seem to be any wobble in the rotor which would create a need to pump up the brake every time the wheel turned.
Anyone else experience this problem???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
nothing of that sort on my wife's 2012. if there were, i'd be raising hell, i would not let her ride like that until they got it fixed. if she had to make a quick panic stop, she is not gonna have time to squeeze, release, and squeeze again.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I have a 2012 Dyna Super Glide Custom.
Frequently, when using the brake lever, I notice it takes a squeeze or two to get rid of free play. The dealer said they see this often in 2012 bikes and have tried bleeding and even replacing the master cylinders with no success. They say nothing has come down from Harley about this problem yet. This would be unacceplable in my car with four brakes, let alone my bike with only two. I wonder if there was a bad lot of master cylinders or if the caliper piston seals are pulling the pistons back too far. There does not seem to be any wobble in the rotor which would create a need to pump up the brake every time the wheel turned.
Anyone else experience this problem???
Frequently, when using the brake lever, I notice it takes a squeeze or two to get rid of free play. The dealer said they see this often in 2012 bikes and have tried bleeding and even replacing the master cylinders with no success. They say nothing has come down from Harley about this problem yet. This would be unacceplable in my car with four brakes, let alone my bike with only two. I wonder if there was a bad lot of master cylinders or if the caliper piston seals are pulling the pistons back too far. There does not seem to be any wobble in the rotor which would create a need to pump up the brake every time the wheel turned.
Anyone else experience this problem???
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: KS
Check to see if the piston isn't extending all the way vs it being just really easy to push in. It's possible the piston in the master cylinder needs to be cleaned.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 248
From: Milton Mills NH
Sounds like you have some air in the system. Try a different dealer, do not mention you have been to one. New bike should not need anything "cleaned". Last resort replace the front pads, possibly the pads were under sized ??. There is a reason why it takes two pumps to push the caliper piston out enough to compress the pads.
Personally, i would pay to get the bike fixed, (if it meant new pads) then argue with selling dealer. There is no compromise for safety.
Personally, i would pay to get the bike fixed, (if it meant new pads) then argue with selling dealer. There is no compromise for safety.
