2006 Deluxe weak front brake.
2006 Deluxe weak front brake.
My front brake on my '06 Softail Deluxe is pretty weak. I've replaced the pads, added steel braided line and bled it to death but it's still not up to my standards. I also have a sport bike and dirt bike, and the brakes on them are super strong. Is it just the nature of the single disc front brake ? Appreciate any and all input.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 1,134
From: Southconsin
I have a 06 Deluxe and it has very good brakes in front. I know you said you bled it to death but it sounds like air in the line. I bought Russells speed bleeders and no problem bleeding them but it still takes patience.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Check the condition of the caliper and make sure all the cylinders are clean and able to move freely when you apply the brake . I find it easy to remove the caliper and place something like a small block of wood the same thickness as the two break pads , then apply the brake to extend the cylinders , makes cleaning them much easier without having to completely remove the cylinder . Use a wide band shoe lace and some Non Chlorinated Brake Cleaner ( safe on seals ) to clean them up .
Don't forget to apply some brake grease or anti seize to the back of the brake pads and the pins , it will help keep them from chirping / rattling while you ride .
Like Madison stated , take your time bleeding , flush it out really well . I found pulling the lever back slowly when pumping out the old fluid helps , and when you release it , give it a second or two before pulling it in again .
Don't forget to apply some brake grease or anti seize to the back of the brake pads and the pins , it will help keep them from chirping / rattling while you ride .
Like Madison stated , take your time bleeding , flush it out really well . I found pulling the lever back slowly when pumping out the old fluid helps , and when you release it , give it a second or two before pulling it in again .
Used an old dirt bike trick. Pull in break lever and zip tie it, leave it overnight and air floats up out of the line. Worked like a charm, still not the best brakes but way better than before..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
Seems to be a common complaint. Think of it as "Po' Boys Anti Lock Brakes".
Really good front brakes can be a curse too. My 2014 Bonneville has a much better front brake than my Deluxe has. Most likely due to the overall weight.
It's pretty easy to grab too much front brake in a panic stop situation. I have three titanium screws in my ankle to attest to that. Granted, it was a rookie mistake, but had I been on the Deluxe on one fine spring day, a certain coyote woulda had Dunlap tire tracks across his carcass instead of Metzler skid marks on the road. And I might still have full range of motion in my ankle.
What mighta been is exactly that. What mighta been.
Really good front brakes can be a curse too. My 2014 Bonneville has a much better front brake than my Deluxe has. Most likely due to the overall weight.
It's pretty easy to grab too much front brake in a panic stop situation. I have three titanium screws in my ankle to attest to that. Granted, it was a rookie mistake, but had I been on the Deluxe on one fine spring day, a certain coyote woulda had Dunlap tire tracks across his carcass instead of Metzler skid marks on the road. And I might still have full range of motion in my ankle.
What mighta been is exactly that. What mighta been.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2019
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From: Tn.
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My front brake on my '06 Softail Deluxe is pretty weak. I've replaced the pads, added steel braided line and bled it to death but it's still not up to my standards. I also have a sport bike and dirt bike, and the brakes on them are super strong. Is it just the nature of the single disc front brake ? Appreciate any and all input.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/984315-upgrade-brembo-ebc-rotor-chrome-sliders.html
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 127
Likes: 42
From: Utrecht, Netherlands
Its how they are. You can bolt a Brembo caliper from a touring bike to your fork and get a larger 300mm rotor. From 11.5" to 11.8". Some have used the stock rotor and said it works. I'd install the larger rotor. Or, it may be worth trying EBC brake pads. It helped my fatboy some, enough to feel the diff, but not a true upgrade in any way.. Also, going 6 piston caliper has mixed results unless a larger bore MC is also installed. Their was a company called QTM that sold caliper and adapter brake kits. Dont know if they are still around. The more extreme option is installing touring bikes lowers with both calipers, mc, brake lines...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/984315-upgrade-brembo-ebc-rotor-chrome-sliders.html
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https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/984315-upgrade-brembo-ebc-rotor-chrome-sliders.html
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