Warped Front Brake Rotors?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 57
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From: Denver, CO - USA
Warped Front Brake Rotors?
Hello, Im hoping to get a little advice about what seems to be a warped front brake rotor. I bought the bike, my first Harley, last week. It was a consignment so I wasnt able to ride it had to take the dealers word that the bike rode fine.
The problem is, as Im rolling to a stop I feel what seems like a light brake grab and release from the front, once per wheel rotation, just like when you have a warped rotor. Ive had warped rotors on other bikes in the past and this is slightly different in that I feel no pulsating at the brake lever, even when grapping a handful at higher speeds. In fact, its not noticeable at all at higher speeds. The dealer is saying (after a brief ride and not even looking at the rotors) its not a warped rotor but maybe a bad tire or heavier fork oil is needed, which Im not really buying.
If anyone has had a similar problem Id love to know how it was resolved.
Thanks,
Ted Denver
2006 Road King
The problem is, as Im rolling to a stop I feel what seems like a light brake grab and release from the front, once per wheel rotation, just like when you have a warped rotor. Ive had warped rotors on other bikes in the past and this is slightly different in that I feel no pulsating at the brake lever, even when grapping a handful at higher speeds. In fact, its not noticeable at all at higher speeds. The dealer is saying (after a brief ride and not even looking at the rotors) its not a warped rotor but maybe a bad tire or heavier fork oil is needed, which Im not really buying.
If anyone has had a similar problem Id love to know how it was resolved.
Thanks,
Ted Denver
2006 Road King
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
Sure sounds like a warped rotor to me. Just pull the rotors off (not that hard to do) and put them on a machined edge to check them, or set up a dial indicator gauge and see exactly what the runout is and check that against the MOCO's specs. That will tell the tail for sure. Fact is you may or may not feel a warped rotor in the brake lever. Are these rotors floating or one piece?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
Yours should still be under the new bike warranty. Just take the bike in and have the service dept at your dealer of choice take a look. Chances are you will score a new set of rotors....or at least one rotor. Thing is though....on your bike I am 99% sure they are the two piece floating rotors, and they can be a bit expensive.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
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From: Davie, FL
find out
Put your bike on a lift with the front wheel off the ground. If you do not have a dial indicator (preferred) get a paint can. Secure the front end to not move with tie down straps. Have a weight and put in on a sharpened stick like a paint stick you get free from Home Depot. Spin the front wheel than move the stick in to when it hits. The run-out should be less than (you can easily see 10 thousands of an inch) 8 thousands. This will be a cheap and easy way to quickly check and lead you down the correct avenue for a fix.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
Just replace the rotors with a floating set and the pads too. Make sure that they are real floaters, there are a lot of floaters look alike out there that will warp just as easy. I replaced mine with EBC Countours and Lyndal Racing Gold Plus. They now are whisper quiet and work great. The contours get a lot of attention as well since they are kind of different.
Good luck!
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/acc/ebc.asp
http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Assets/USA%2008%20MC%20cat.pdf
Good luck!
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/acc/ebc.asp
http://www.ebcbrakes.com/Assets/USA%2008%20MC%20cat.pdf
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16
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From: Red and White World
Front Brakes making swishing sound at low speeds
There is a Harley "Campaign" which addresses this. Contact your dealer. It affects 2000 and later HD's with duel front brakes. If your bike is still under the new warranty or extended warranty, the dealer will take care of it. If not, it is easy to do yourself.
Pull the front wheel off and swap the left and right rotors. That is all the dealer is going to do, the reinstall the rotors. This is also a good time to clean the pads, the brake pistons and the wheel itself. Be sure to add a touch of appropriate lock-tite to the threads of the torx fasteners when re-attaching the rotors to the wheel.
Note that the "campaign" is not limited to dressers, but to any bike with duel brakes. This is NOT a recall. Consult with your dealer for his opinion.
Pull the front wheel off and swap the left and right rotors. That is all the dealer is going to do, the reinstall the rotors. This is also a good time to clean the pads, the brake pistons and the wheel itself. Be sure to add a touch of appropriate lock-tite to the threads of the torx fasteners when re-attaching the rotors to the wheel.
Note that the "campaign" is not limited to dressers, but to any bike with duel brakes. This is NOT a recall. Consult with your dealer for his opinion.
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Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
There is a Harley "Campaign" which addresses this. Contact your dealer. It affects 2000 and later HD's with duel front brakes. If your bike is still under the new warranty or extended warranty, the dealer will take care of it. If not, it is easy to do yourself.
Pull the front wheel off and swap the left and right rotors. That is all the dealer is going to do, the reinstall the rotors. This is also a good time to clean the pads, the brake pistons and the wheel itself. Be sure to add a touch of appropriate lock-tite to the threads of the torx fasteners when re-attaching the rotors to the wheel.
Note that the "campaign" is not limited to dressers, but to any bike with duel brakes. This is NOT a recall. Consult with your dealer for his opinion.
Pull the front wheel off and swap the left and right rotors. That is all the dealer is going to do, the reinstall the rotors. This is also a good time to clean the pads, the brake pistons and the wheel itself. Be sure to add a touch of appropriate lock-tite to the threads of the torx fasteners when re-attaching the rotors to the wheel.
Note that the "campaign" is not limited to dressers, but to any bike with duel brakes. This is NOT a recall. Consult with your dealer for his opinion.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
The only problem I've had with my '06 was a slightly warped front brake rotor. Harley has a + and - specs on rotors, and mine was still within specs, so the warranty would not replace it, even though it was very noticeable and annoying, right at the point of stopping. At 25,000 miles I put on a set of new Street Glide wheels with new rotors, and it's a night and day difference coming to a smooth stop with good rotors.