Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

21 Fat Spoke Brake trouble

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-14-2016, 07:31 PM
RollTideRoadGlide's Avatar
RollTideRoadGlide
RollTideRoadGlide is offline
Cruiser
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Posts: 228
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
Default 21 Fat Spoke Brake trouble

I installed a 21 fat spoke on my RKC the other day (Ill post a picture below because you have to show it off). The old wheel and tire had a warped rotor i believe, with the new wheel and tire i dont get the pulsing feeling out of the front end, however if the brake is not applied you can hear it rubbing when your going slow. Could the pads be bad up from the stock rotors being messed up?

 
  #2  
Old 08-14-2016, 11:17 PM
jtarter's Avatar
jtarter
jtarter is offline
Road Master
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 802
Received 42 Likes on 21 Posts
Default

You used the old pads on new rotors? When I did my 21" wheel/rotors, I changed the pads also. I figured since I was already tearing it apart, might as well change it all. Pads are cheap compared to your other upgrades. Did the calipers go right on? You may have an alignment issue with the new hub. I would pull the calipers back off and make sure you have proper alignment. You might need different spacers. BTW, the wheel looks great
 
  #3  
Old 08-14-2016, 11:22 PM
skratch's Avatar
skratch
skratch is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: anacoco, la
Posts: 20,425
Received 4,218 Likes on 2,466 Posts
Default

wheel looks great.

what you're describing is normal. the pads do not retract away from the rotor, there is always a very light contact going on. unless of course, your rotor is warped and then it'll push your pistons in further then necessary.

easy to tell if you have a problem. ride for a little bit. stop, and feel your rotor. if it is blazing hot, you've got a problem. if it is slightly warm to the touch, all is good.
 
  #4  
Old 08-15-2016, 12:52 AM
Munkee's Avatar
Munkee
Munkee is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SoCal
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Put it on a jack and turn the wheel by hand and see what happens. If you "rub" you may need to fix that. I had to shim my left caliper with one washer to prevent it from "rubbing".

But if you didnt replace pads that could be it too. Retrace your steps.
 
  #5  
Old 08-15-2016, 05:54 AM
grbrown's Avatar
grbrown
grbrown is offline
Club Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Bedford UK
Posts: 45,435
Received 2,853 Likes on 2,420 Posts
Default

You've put on a lovely new wheel and it would be normal to also use fresh pads with new rotors. I would also clean the calipers and make sure the pistons retract properly, then flush through with new brake fluid. If your pads have a decent life left in them you might as well leave them there, but I recommend doing those other things, just to make sure everything is just right.
 
  #6  
Old 08-15-2016, 07:09 AM
RKZen's Avatar
RKZen
RKZen is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Posts: 5,446
Received 1,515 Likes on 1,083 Posts
Default

Nice looking wheels and tires.

Should be normal for the pads to rub slightly. Put it up on a jack and if your wheel spins freely, you're good.
 
  #7  
Old 08-15-2016, 09:07 AM
Domestic Violence's Avatar
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is offline
Stellar HDF Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location:
Posts: 2,436
Received 66 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

While you're checking all of those suggestions, check the fender tip bolt as well. I had to trim mine when I put the 21" on. It was too close for comfort.... Not saying my suggestion has anything to do with your brake issues
 
  #8  
Old 08-21-2016, 05:45 PM
RollTideRoadGlide's Avatar
RollTideRoadGlide
RollTideRoadGlide is offline
Cruiser
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Posts: 228
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I had a chance to work on it today, it just so happens that i put the wheel on backwards,I switched it back around and no problem. I already cut the fender bolt when i drilled the fender to accommodate the 21in wheel. Also installed the progressive drop in lowering kit today.
 
  #9  
Old 08-21-2016, 07:14 PM
RKZen's Avatar
RKZen
RKZen is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Posts: 5,446
Received 1,515 Likes on 1,083 Posts
Default

If you haven't already, check the tire to fender clearance. Some get a tire rub on the back part of the front fender.
 
  #10  
Old 08-21-2016, 07:36 PM
aguiadodeserto's Avatar
aguiadodeserto
aguiadodeserto is offline
Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Brazil
Posts: 104
Received 63 Likes on 24 Posts
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
flyboyslc
Dyna Glide Models
6
09-15-2016 06:14 PM
roadkingbigjoe
Touring Models
5
05-15-2014 04:35 PM
gschwerman
Touring Models
11
03-26-2013 10:59 AM
ownasofttail
Wheels/Tires
2
03-11-2012 09:23 PM
rome304
Touring Models
10
09-16-2010 04:46 PM



Quick Reply: 21 Fat Spoke Brake trouble



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:34 PM.