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front brake issues

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Old May 28, 2013 | 02:40 PM
  #1  
ULMTD12's Avatar
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Question front brake issues

I have a 2012 Ultra Limited with 5,000 miles

Around 4500 miles I noticed a pulsation in the front brake that became worse. It varies at different speeds but is really distracting while drifting up to a stop at low speeds. Sometimes when I slowly apply both brakes lightly I do not feel the pulsing. I feel it in the ride , like the front tire is egg shaped ? , not in the brake lever.

I just got it back from the dealer after the 5000 check up. They checked the run out on the rotors--found no problem. They purged the ABS system- whatever that means. Then they road tested it and say the brakes are fine.

Driving it home it pulses at low speeds as it did before. It did not do this in the first 4500 miles. Anybody else have this experience? Is it an ABS thing? I've been on bikes since 75 and I have never been afraid to apply the front brakes, but I'd almost rather use the rear only.

Thanks for any comments, experience etccc .
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 03:01 PM
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CWO USN
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I had some issue somewhat similar to what you described but when I apply the front brakes especially when hitting the binders hard. First trip at 5K to the dealership and I was told it was "normal." Heck, at around 7K, same dealership but different tech diagnosed it as warp rotors. Replaced under warranty and no more issues. I too have the ABS system and man, can they stop almost a 900 lbs. machine like nothing.
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 03:29 PM
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Thanks. I have never had a brake issue on any bike except for wearing them out or squeaking. I'll give it some time and take it back in again. It's a haul to the dealer.
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 03:45 PM
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TWIN CAM 96
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find a different stealer
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 03:47 PM
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Dallas 13
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Don't expect it to get better, warped rotors do not fix themselves. Had the same issue at about 40K.
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 04:23 PM
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i have a similer issue with my brakes, i thought it was a warped roter but the dealer told me they were fine, so i've just been dealing with it. i didn't think of trying a different dealer, thanks!
 
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Old May 28, 2013 | 04:40 PM
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You have warped rotors. I would find a different dealer or just ride with them as they are. Chances are if you go back with HD rotors, they will warp again. You can go with Lyndall or EBC rotors and have quality rotors for life. Even hd floating rotors warp. Ask me how I know.
 
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Old May 29, 2013 | 05:18 AM
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May also be contaminated rotors. Most so called warped rotors are really just contaminated. Sometimes you can get lucky using brake cleaner and a scrubber to scour the brake rotors.
 
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Old May 29, 2013 | 05:39 AM
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yes same thing at 5000 miles on rear,stealer said warped 4ths will not replace till 8 or above on warranty.
 
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