Front brake problem?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Frankfort, IL
Front brake problem?
'10 FLHTK. When I bought the bike the front brakes were spongy. Told dealer and around 1900 miles they replaced the pads saying they were wore out. I'm at 4000 miles now and the same feeling is back. As soon as I get home from the road trip I will bring it into the dealer to see what they say. So the question is anyone else out there having front brake issues? I've been riding for 13 years now (mostly Ducati superbikes) and have never gone through pads this fast (possibly twice). I did notice that when I'm stopped and I hold the front brake in, the engine seems to work a little more (ABS?).
What does everyone think?
What does everyone think?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Western New York
There have been several posts on spongy front brakes. I cannot speak for the new models but My 03 EG standard had the same problem. My problem was that the four pistons in each caliper would not extend because they were fouled out with brake dust, road debris etc.. There is not a dust cover over the pistons. Once I removed the calipers and freed and cleaned the pistons... life was good again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 7
From: Indianapolis
'10 FLHTK. When I bought the bike the front brakes were spongy. Told dealer and around 1900 miles they replaced the pads saying they were wore out. I'm at 4000 miles now and the same feeling is back. As soon as I get home from the road trip I will bring it into the dealer to see what they say. So the question is anyone else out there having front brake issues? I've been riding for 13 years now (mostly Ducati superbikes) and have never gone through pads this fast (possibly twice). I did notice that when I'm stopped and I hold the front brake in, the engine seems to work a little more (ABS?).
What does everyone think?
What does everyone think?
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 96
From: Channahon, IL.
Also, once you have come to a stop, continuing to apply the brakes promotes rotor warpage. The section of the rotor that the pads are in contact with can't cool at the same rate as the rest of the rotor. If it's safe, as in your not on a hill, once you have stopped let the binders go.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
Does the motor sound like it wants to keep pulling? Might need the clutch adjusted, just a guess. As for eating brakes that soon, shouldn't happen unless you ride while holding the brakes.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: La Vergne, TN
'10 FLHTK. When I bought the bike the front brakes were spongy. Told dealer and around 1900 miles they replaced the pads saying they were wore out. I'm at 4000 miles now and the same feeling is back. As soon as I get home from the road trip I will bring it into the dealer to see what they say. So the question is anyone else out there having front brake issues? I've been riding for 13 years now (mostly Ducati superbikes) and have never gone through pads this fast (possibly twice). I did notice that when I'm stopped and I hold the front brake in, the engine seems to work a little more (ABS?).
What does everyone think?
What does everyone think?
Clutch adjustment? pad drag?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I agree with everyone else here; there is a problem. My '09 Ultra has over 14k and is just now needing new brakes.
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 17
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From: Frankfort, IL
I'll get to the dealer either Thursday or Friday this week... I'll let you know what they say. The bike rolls fine when I just using the legs to move it. When I stop I don't stay on the brakes. I'll hold it with my legs. What I meant by the engine working harder is if I do hold the brakes while stopped, it seems to rev a little more. If I release the brakes it slows down (You can barely see it on the tach). I am assuming that the engine is working harder for the ABS. I don't feel that is correct but that is what I have noticed. Thanks for the replies!
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
44,000 on '03 FLHTI, brakes done around 26,000. Feeling spongy now, figgured time for brake fluid flush and Black Diamond stainless brake lines. Will pull the calipers and clean the piston bores first. Thanks for the heads up!