Front disc eating wave washers
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
The outer piston on that caliper has likely stuck, leaving the inner piston to exert all the braking force.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
Since this coincided with a tire change, I would bet on the rotor being bent from mishandling at some point while the wheel was off the bike. The wheel being laid down roughly or the rotor being bumped while placing the wheel on the tire machine are possible causes.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 2
From: Columbia, CT
@langwilliams My front pads were exactly the same. Left inner was at the wear limit, the rest still had plenty of meat left on them.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
Pappa did you do anything about it when you changed the pads? I was going to take the caliper off an gently squeeze the brake with the pads still in to extent the pistons a little an spray them with brake cleaner an maybe a light scrubbing with a toothbrush.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 2
From: Columbia, CT
The pistons did not feel bound up when I compressed them and the lever action before and after installation felt normal.
I'll be keeping an eye on these pads to see if the problem persists.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I don't have abs...I cleaned the the pistons a few minutes ago pressed the brake an only the heavier worn side moved. I cleaned them again an pushed the pistons back in an both sides returned in so hopefully it's not stuck now.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Wave Washer Issue as well
I have experienced the same problem, (2016 FLHR no abs) left side front rotor sitting on bike. I had a new front tire installed and wham wave washers gone. Did not notice it until it started rattling and clunking pretty good. I have replaced them, checked the rotor for warp, blew out another set. What is going on here? any ideas? What did you find out about yours? did you find a fix for it? Thanks for any help. Bummed in Maine
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have experienced the same problem, (2016 FLHR no abs) left side front rotor sitting on bike. I had a new front tire installed and wham wave washers gone. Did not notice it until it started rattling and clunking pretty good. I have replaced them, checked the rotor for warp, blew out another set. What is going on here? any ideas? What did you find out about yours? did you find a fix for it? Thanks for any help. Bummed in Maine