Front calipers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Hell.... Seems we did the hose fix, to worn out front banana's also...
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 86
Likes: 27
From: Oklahoma
Thanks everybody for your inputs. I fabricated some washers out of 1/16" & 1/8" rubber stock I have making sure I don't impede the calipers. I am guessing from everyone's comments that there should be some axial float in the calipers. For now, it's helping with the rattle and when I get the new fork leg bushings, that should fix the bolts through the fork leg tolerance. There is some play between the bolts and the bores of the calipers. Rather than buying new calipers, has anyone machined the bores and put bushings in them? The caliper piston wells are in great shape. I probably shouldn't over think this.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,096
Likes: 51,358
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Did the machine & bush bit , lasted about 9 months before the rattle was back but I rode a lot of miles those days. The dense foam was the best fix I'd found in the years I ran those calipers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,321
Likes: 56,883
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I don't remember a hose fix on the banana calipers ... I do remember some "rattle clip fixes" ... also boring out the caliper pin hole and a larger pin ( or a bushing installed ) ... the "spring thing" located under the caliper held by the axle nut to the rear axle ... Probably 20 more form ingenious guys back then :>)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
I don't remember a hose fix on the banana calipers ... I do remember some "rattle clip fixes" ... also boring out the caliper pin hole and a larger pin ( or a bushing installed ) ... the "spring thing" located under the caliper held by the axle nut to the rear axle ... Probably 20 more form ingenious guys back then :>
Looking for a Picture!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 13,749
From: Pa.
Yep. They were designed to have "some" play. The hose/double sided tape just helps dampen them down a bit (if the rattle is too bad).
Also check to make sure your discs are not slightly warped. That adds to the aggravating noise.
Also check to make sure your discs are not slightly warped. That adds to the aggravating noise.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 101
Likes: 79
From: nebo oklahoma
You are correct. I know we all ride/brake differently, I'm a 80% rear, 20% front brake kinda guy so it works for me. Of course youve gotta use common sense and understand how the caliper works. The o rings will kill the rattle and still leave fronts operational if done correctly
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
You are correct. I know we all ride/brake differently, I'm a 80% rear, 20% front brake kinda guy so it works for me. Of course youve gotta use common sense and understand how the caliper works. The o rings will kill the rattle and still leave fronts operational if done correctly
Now... With sidecar... I use the front brake for left hand turns, and the Rear [because it is linked to the car] for right handers!!!
Just a small Wander, off topic!!!!
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