Warped front rotors - warrant?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 9
From: Greensboro, NC
Warped front rotors - warrant?
I have 13 limited with around 5K miles and the front rotors are warped. Does anybody know is this can be fixed under warranty? Will be taking it back to the dealer saturday for them to look at it.
Under 10mph if I use the front brakes I'm getting a pulsing fork dive. I've looked at the rotors and there is no signs of being overheated. They look just like the rear rotor.
Under 10mph if I use the front brakes I'm getting a pulsing fork dive. I've looked at the rotors and there is no signs of being overheated. They look just like the rear rotor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,721
From: Western South Dakota
You should be covered and good to go under the warranty..
My understanding is that HD uses a lot of Chinese steel which is inferior to the US product, and maybe that is part of the issue w/the warping rotors, if at all?
Good luck.
My understanding is that HD uses a lot of Chinese steel which is inferior to the US product, and maybe that is part of the issue w/the warping rotors, if at all?
Good luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
How did you determine that your rotors were indeed warped?
In actuality, you may just need to get an aerosol can of brake cleaner and clean the metal really good. I have experienced that from time to time. Sometimes if the pads are mucked up with something you might have to clean the rotors every day for a few days to get everything back to normal. You can buy brake cleaner at Walmart or any auto parts house for around $4.00 or so. Just keep the cleaner off the paint.
If cleaning them real good does not help, the dealer will probably put through a warranty claim.
In actuality, you may just need to get an aerosol can of brake cleaner and clean the metal really good. I have experienced that from time to time. Sometimes if the pads are mucked up with something you might have to clean the rotors every day for a few days to get everything back to normal. You can buy brake cleaner at Walmart or any auto parts house for around $4.00 or so. Just keep the cleaner off the paint.
If cleaning them real good does not help, the dealer will probably put through a warranty claim.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
disks can be warped by holding hot pads against the disks while stopped.
it is good to get in the habit of releasing the brakes when you can, either in turn ( front/back), or allowing the bike to roll slightly between applications.
whether the rider has a warranty in force or not.
materials can certainly play a part in this, some may recall that the early 90's taurus was notorius for warping rotors
carving canyons or dragging pads are 2 of the causes for super-hot pads ( and if the fluid boils, brake failure is a result)
another good habit is riding "in the power band' so that speed adjustments can be made by closing the throttle, rather than braking. if the revs are too low, the bike will more 'free wheel" than slow
mike
it is good to get in the habit of releasing the brakes when you can, either in turn ( front/back), or allowing the bike to roll slightly between applications.
whether the rider has a warranty in force or not.
materials can certainly play a part in this, some may recall that the early 90's taurus was notorius for warping rotors
carving canyons or dragging pads are 2 of the causes for super-hot pads ( and if the fluid boils, brake failure is a result)
another good habit is riding "in the power band' so that speed adjustments can be made by closing the throttle, rather than braking. if the revs are too low, the bike will more 'free wheel" than slow
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 19, 2012 at 01:48 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
HD just replaced (Sept) both of my front rotors under warranty. The bike had just over 10,000 miles on the clock and believe me I don't ride hard.
My dealer did not even try to argue. Told them I thought I might have a warped rotor, they had one of their wrenches take for a ride. Came back, said "yep I think both are warped". The service writer then asked when I could bring the bike in. 2 days after I dropped it off they called told me they replaced both rotors all under warranty.
Just the way it is supposed to work....
My dealer did not even try to argue. Told them I thought I might have a warped rotor, they had one of their wrenches take for a ride. Came back, said "yep I think both are warped". The service writer then asked when I could bring the bike in. 2 days after I dropped it off they called told me they replaced both rotors all under warranty.
Just the way it is supposed to work....
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 6
From: Baa Haaba, Maine
My dealer refused to replace the 2 front rotors that warped in the first year under warranty.
I have not been back to buy any part or accessory, let alone service, since that time.
I have not been back to buy any part or accessory, let alone service, since that time.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Elizabeth,WV 26143
I just purchased a 2011 RKC, 6,500 miles, rotors were badly warped. I took it in, mechanic rode the bike, checked the clearances and subsequently replaced the rotors, in and out in 90 minutes. This was my first experience with HD service, went exactly as it should.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
From: Florida
That's are rare story. Glad it worked out in your favor!