Pulsating Front Brake - Not Warped Rotor
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Southeast MI
Pulsating Front Brake - Not Warped Rotor
I get a very light pulsating in the front brakes at slow speeds. Typically I would think warped rotor, but dial indicator says that there is not an issue there. If I clean the rotors the pulsing goes away for 800-1,000 miles and then gradually returns.
Has any one else had this same issue? Why does cleaning the rotors correct the problem?
Has any one else had this same issue? Why does cleaning the rotors correct the problem?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
I get a light pulsing on my rotors at slow speed and light pressure, but I have floating rotors not stock. Also, I think one of my kids banged into the front wheel of my bike, but no one is fessing up. You might have contaminated brake pads. You can pull them and have a look.
Last edited by FDHOG; Oct 8, 2012 at 07:29 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Ks
I have had the same problem and my rotors have been warped. I have 45k on a 2008 FLHT and have had replaced my rotors every 2 years. I think that my wheel might have any imperfection in it causing my rotors to work...or I just ride the **** out of my bike...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
Likes: 6,442
From: Honah Lee
Hope you find out what it is. My CRV has done it for 40K. Started at around 15K. I can bleed it, scuff sand the rotors slightly by hand and it will go away. Two or 3K and it's back. Hit the brakes at 65 going down a hill in WV and it took my breath away. It's not the ABS or the Stability control because I turned them off after the WV scare and it still did it. With mine it's in the steering wheel and in the front, rotors run within .002 and thickness is within .0015. If it's not in your bars and totally in a pulsing brake pedal? You need to do run out and also thickness with a micrometer ever 45 degree or so about half way down were the pads rub. If its different by .002 you are going to fill that at low brake pressure and I bet if say on just one side in front with your dual rotors a little in the bars.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Mesa arizona
I get a very light pulsating in the front brakes at slow speeds. Typically I would think warped rotor, but dial indicator says that there is not an issue there. If I clean the rotors the pulsing goes away for 800-1,000 miles and then gradually returns.
Has any one else had this same issue? Why does cleaning the rotors correct the problem?
Has any one else had this same issue? Why does cleaning the rotors correct the problem?
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
Mine were toast when I bought the bike with 11k on it. The dial indicator showed some run out but within tolerance. I was scared to use them at low speeds because it was so violent. Bought some no mile take offs (thank you to the people that can't leave your bikes stock!) and no more problem.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Contamination, runout, thickness variations, overheating, glazing. If those are all ok and you still feel pulsating in the brake pedal/lever, then there is some other non brake related issue causing it, i.e., a bad tire or wheel.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 44
From: Back woods of Maine
If you have no runout, and your rotor mics out okay, is it possible that you have a very slight brake fluid leak from one of your calipers? When you clean the rotor, it goes away only to come back again in a little while.