Pulsing Front Brakes
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 37
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From:
Pulsing Front Brakes
I am getting a pulse in my front brakes. It is very noticable at close to stoping speeds. Very nerve wracking. Either the roters are warped or there is something wrong with the pads. The bike is an 07 Street Glide and has 10,000 kms (6,000 miles). I wouldn't think there should be anything wrong with this kind of mileage. Can anyone help or do you have suggestions. Of course the warranty has expired; so, I don't think I will get anything from the dealer.
Does this happen all the time?
When going slow and 'lightly' using the brakes, can you feel it?
Both of these point to a either a clogged caliper (one side is trying to do all the braking) or a warped rotor. First (cause its cheapest), get a can of "Brake Kleen" and spray the brake calipars for 15 seconds behind (caliper side) of eash brake shoe. If that helps, you need to disassemble the calipers and clean them. If it does not help, you only wasted $6.
If it does not help, chances are its a warped rotor. That is, the rotor got too hot and has litterally warped. Don't try and 'see' teh warpage, if you can see it, have the bike towed to the shop or put new rotors on before you ride it again.
Do you have wire spoke wheels?
Loose spokes can have really strange effects when braking. A simple check for loose spokes if to take a screwdriver and 'tap' each spoke. You should get a simular 'ring' from each spoke. Those that are 'dead' or very different sounding are not right and you need to true the wheel.
Does the rotor have uneven wear? Replace the rotor.
NOTE: Anytime you replace the rotor, replace the pads and clean the calipers.
your mileage may vary.
...gene
When going slow and 'lightly' using the brakes, can you feel it?
Both of these point to a either a clogged caliper (one side is trying to do all the braking) or a warped rotor. First (cause its cheapest), get a can of "Brake Kleen" and spray the brake calipars for 15 seconds behind (caliper side) of eash brake shoe. If that helps, you need to disassemble the calipers and clean them. If it does not help, you only wasted $6.
If it does not help, chances are its a warped rotor. That is, the rotor got too hot and has litterally warped. Don't try and 'see' teh warpage, if you can see it, have the bike towed to the shop or put new rotors on before you ride it again.
Do you have wire spoke wheels?
Loose spokes can have really strange effects when braking. A simple check for loose spokes if to take a screwdriver and 'tap' each spoke. You should get a simular 'ring' from each spoke. Those that are 'dead' or very different sounding are not right and you need to true the wheel.
Does the rotor have uneven wear? Replace the rotor.
NOTE: Anytime you replace the rotor, replace the pads and clean the calipers.
your mileage may vary.
...gene
Last edited by genedjr; Jul 12, 2009 at 12:30 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From:
had the same thing once... warped rotor was the cause.
Was not noticeable until the bike was very close to stopping and made a smooth stop all but impossible.
Just as an fyi I would assume that this will be a warranty job for you, but the price dif for floating rotors is not too much. They look way cool, and provide better performance.
- Jerm
Was not noticeable until the bike was very close to stopping and made a smooth stop all but impossible.
Just as an fyi I would assume that this will be a warranty job for you, but the price dif for floating rotors is not too much. They look way cool, and provide better performance.
- Jerm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,212
From: Snow Hill, NC
Have the front bike lifted to where you can turn the wheel by hand...take a metal object like a knife, wire, screwdriver etcc....brace it against the fork and turn the wheel, get the metal object as close to the rotor as possible see if it toches or not as you are turning the wheel...Cheap true gauge.....
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I am getting a pulse in my front brakes. It is very noticable at close to stoping speeds. Very nerve wracking. Either the roters are warped or there is something wrong with the pads. The bike is an 07 Street Glide and has 10,000 kms (6,000 miles). I wouldn't think there should be anything wrong with this kind of mileage. Can anyone help or do you have suggestions. Of course the warranty has expired; so, I don't think I will get anything from the dealer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
You have one or both rotors warped. Both rotors should be checked by dial caliper to determine warpage. The calipers should be taken apart when you replace the rotors to make sure the pistons are free to move and check for binding.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Do you mean ,dial indicator?
Dial caliper would check the thickness,while a dial indicator would check runout.
Dial caliper would check the thickness,while a dial indicator would check runout.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Hampshire UK
Sorry to be the last one to give his opinion but its more likely the rotors as I have had this on other machines when the rotor has distorted possibly through over heating and then pulsates when braking. More noticable when coming to a stop.