Front pads rubbing
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Another response suggested checking the rotors for heat. I wouldn't recommend reaching down and grabbing a rotor after a ride unless your into pain. Brakes use friction to stop. Friction generates heat. If you just went for a ride and used the front brakes to stop, I guarantee they will be hot to touch.
As others have mentioned, based on the age and low mileage on your bike, the calipers are probably sticking a little. Easy to remove the calipers, pry off the pads, and clean the pistons. There are several how to videos on you tube. It's also possible you have a warped rotor but you would feel it surge when you stop.
Of course there is a good possibility your friend may have been hearing things and nothings wrong,
Clean the calipers. It's easy, cheap, and can't hurt.
Good luck.
As others have mentioned, based on the age and low mileage on your bike, the calipers are probably sticking a little. Easy to remove the calipers, pry off the pads, and clean the pistons. There are several how to videos on you tube. It's also possible you have a warped rotor but you would feel it surge when you stop.
Of course there is a good possibility your friend may have been hearing things and nothings wrong,
Clean the calipers. It's easy, cheap, and can't hurt.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 455
Likes: 35
From: SW Ohio
Originally Posted by EdwardK
Another response suggested checking the rotors for heat. I wouldn't recommend reaching down and grabbing a rotor after a ride unless your into pain. Brakes use friction to stop. Friction generates heat. If you just went for a ride and used the front brakes to stop, I guarantee they will be hot to touch.....
Good luck.
Good luck.
Last edited by GittinThere; Jul 8, 2018 at 11:32 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 435
From: NE Oklahoma
There are no vents on your stock 2003 brake calipers. Mine are identical since theyre the same year.
I ended up making the cleaning procedure a 6 month PMI along with fasteners. It just gives me another excuse to wrench a little when I cant ride.
I ended up making the cleaning procedure a 6 month PMI along with fasteners. It just gives me another excuse to wrench a little when I cant ride.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 455
Likes: 35
From: SW Ohio
Took it for a ride this evening and put around 20+ miles on it. Got back and checked the rotors temp and both were certainly tolerable to touch. I THINK one of the rotors was a tad warmer than the other....
I have watched a couple YouTube vids and seems straightforward to remedy the problem...
I have watched a couple YouTube vids and seems straightforward to remedy the problem...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 646
From: Santa Clarita
Just sayin'...
(Just joshin' ya, boy...I say, just joshin' ya!)
Last edited by Veekness; Jul 8, 2018 at 11:01 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 90
From: australia
When your washing your bike , give calipers a good spray with brake cleaner , then rinse off with water … If you have a air compressor , give calipers a blast …. This will remove brake dust and grime that may have built up etc.. If you apply the anti squeal paste on the back of pads ,, the paste may be removed quicker , but I don't think it lasts all that long anyway, to have any negative results....
The above procedure will solve most pistons from sticking from brake dust and grime.... When its time for new pads , and or flushing brake system,, that's the time to properly clean the caliper /pistons etc ….
Of course if you do a lot of miles,, giving your calipers/ pistons a good clean , say once a year would be a good idea ….
The above procedure will solve most pistons from sticking from brake dust and grime.... When its time for new pads , and or flushing brake system,, that's the time to properly clean the caliper /pistons etc ….
Of course if you do a lot of miles,, giving your calipers/ pistons a good clean , say once a year would be a good idea ….
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 7,042
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Have someone do it for you. Brakes aren't something to mess with, especially if it's all new to you. 22K miles in 15 years? Wow. Again, have someone do it for you. Or, at least show you how to do it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 420
Likes: 64
From: Southern Bear Flag
That mounting bolt is 10mm and is a 12 point. You must use either a 12 point 10mm wrench or 12 point 10mm socket to remove it. Don't try it with any other size or you'll strip it all to hell and make removing it impossible. If it's been a while since you last had that bolt out, may be on there pretty good. I recommend a long breaker bar to get it loose, can't remember the torque specs when putting it back together though. HTH