Brake Maintenance questions
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
Brake Maintenance questions
I have a 07 ElectraGlide Classic, 34K miles. I replaced the front pads at the beginning of the season. I had an Indy do it when the changed installed a set of Wild One bars and put on new Stock HD Dunlops front and rear.
I noticed the other day when backing into a parking spot that the bike didn't seem to be rolling free. I've had a brake drag before, so I understand that sometimes the pistons will get crudded up with gunk and need to be cleaned. I felt the rotor after I rode home and sure enough it the right rotor was hot, while the left one was not hot. I could hear the disk pad rubbing when I coasted with the engine off.
So today I pulled the right caliper off and took out the pads and without draining the fluid and pulling the pistons and doing that whole thing, I just cleaned the pistons and best I could, and the pins. Put it all back together. I hate draining the fluid and always make a complete mess of it, and didn't think I'd need to do that when I could see that the pistons seemed to be moving in and out of their bores okay.
So I took it for a test ride and it doesn't sound like it is rubbing anymore, but the right rotor is still warmer than the left. Hmmm... I wonder if I have another problem or just didn't do a thorough job cleaning up the pistons.
Any ideas? Do the brake rotors normally get a tad warm when riding? They weren't hot, but the right is warmer than the left.
I noticed the other day when backing into a parking spot that the bike didn't seem to be rolling free. I've had a brake drag before, so I understand that sometimes the pistons will get crudded up with gunk and need to be cleaned. I felt the rotor after I rode home and sure enough it the right rotor was hot, while the left one was not hot. I could hear the disk pad rubbing when I coasted with the engine off.
So today I pulled the right caliper off and took out the pads and without draining the fluid and pulling the pistons and doing that whole thing, I just cleaned the pistons and best I could, and the pins. Put it all back together. I hate draining the fluid and always make a complete mess of it, and didn't think I'd need to do that when I could see that the pistons seemed to be moving in and out of their bores okay.
So I took it for a test ride and it doesn't sound like it is rubbing anymore, but the right rotor is still warmer than the left. Hmmm... I wonder if I have another problem or just didn't do a thorough job cleaning up the pistons.
Any ideas? Do the brake rotors normally get a tad warm when riding? They weren't hot, but the right is warmer than the left.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
Yes it is, but thanks for asking.
I've had that happen as this is the year where the R disk in on the left side and the L disk is on the right, as that was a HD fix for brake noise. The tire is going in the right direction and the air valve is pointing to the right side.
I've had that happen as this is the year where the R disk in on the left side and the L disk is on the right, as that was a HD fix for brake noise. The tire is going in the right direction and the air valve is pointing to the right side.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 502
From: Northern WV
I noticed mine slightly dragging after I installed new front (stock Brembo) pads for just a little while, like 100 miles or so. Then they settled in and no more drag at all. I do change the brake fluid at least every two years to help prevent corrosion in the caliper.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
Been there done that..
Still not happy
Here's my info:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...rake-drag.html
Still not happy
Here's my info:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...rake-drag.html
Trending Topics
+1 here. Just replaced pads, tires and cleaned caliper pistons.
Now I see where the aftermarket calipers/rotors come into play
Now I see where the aftermarket calipers/rotors come into play
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
Been there done that..
Still not happy
Here's my info:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...rake-drag.html
Still not happy
Here's my info:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...rake-drag.html
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
Even if you don't like flushing the brake fluid, it still should be done every two years or so just to keep the brake system healthy. It's no different than changing the oil.
Brake fluid degrades and sometimes gets moisture in it even if the system is closed. The combination of old brake fluid and moisture can corrode the components of the system and cause more serious problems.
If you don't like flushing the brakes, ask some of your friends that you feel have some mechanical skills if they will help or do it for you. It is a little messy sometimes but I feel it is worth the effort.
Some people like to use vacuum systems that suck the fluid through and some use the old fashioned pump/bleed method. I've switched to using a product called Speed Bleeders that replaces the factory bleed screws with ones that contain a one way valve. They are a little messy to install (brake fluid leaks a little when you remove the factory bleed screws to install the Speed Bleeders) but once they are on the bike, the process is very clean. All you have to do is put a plastic line on the end of the Speed Bleeder and pump the brakes. The old fluid goes wherever you have the hose. They also offer a very nice collection bag that you can use multiple times.
Brake fluid degrades and sometimes gets moisture in it even if the system is closed. The combination of old brake fluid and moisture can corrode the components of the system and cause more serious problems.
If you don't like flushing the brakes, ask some of your friends that you feel have some mechanical skills if they will help or do it for you. It is a little messy sometimes but I feel it is worth the effort.
Some people like to use vacuum systems that suck the fluid through and some use the old fashioned pump/bleed method. I've switched to using a product called Speed Bleeders that replaces the factory bleed screws with ones that contain a one way valve. They are a little messy to install (brake fluid leaks a little when you remove the factory bleed screws to install the Speed Bleeders) but once they are on the bike, the process is very clean. All you have to do is put a plastic line on the end of the Speed Bleeder and pump the brakes. The old fluid goes wherever you have the hose. They also offer a very nice collection bag that you can use multiple times.
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