AGAIN with this stuff!?!?
Thread Starter
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Supporter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 36
From: Hoboken, NJ
AGAIN with this stuff!?!?
About 5 months ago, I replaced my very warped PM Heathen rotors with Harley's 2-piece version. Not as aesthetically pleasing as PM's, but I figured they'd get the job done and would last...
Well I go on a nice "pre-start-of-my-tour" 30 mile ride, get on the highway, grab the front brake and V-V-V-V-V-VIIIIIIIBBBBBRRRAAAATTE.
WHAT.
THE.
F**K.
For the record, I do not "ride" the front brake, I do not "panic stop" while pulling up to lights or other obstacles. I'd say I use a 60/40 front/rear braking style. NOTHING that would warp TWO sets of rotors made by different manufacturers. The problem isn't me or my riding style. The issue must be...
I'm at a loss.
Now I have to f***ing go BACK to the stealer and ignorantly ask, "What's wrong with my bike?"
I hate that.
Any ideas fellas?
Well I go on a nice "pre-start-of-my-tour" 30 mile ride, get on the highway, grab the front brake and V-V-V-V-V-VIIIIIIIBBBBBRRRAAAATTE.
WHAT.
THE.
F**K.
For the record, I do not "ride" the front brake, I do not "panic stop" while pulling up to lights or other obstacles. I'd say I use a 60/40 front/rear braking style. NOTHING that would warp TWO sets of rotors made by different manufacturers. The problem isn't me or my riding style. The issue must be...
I'm at a loss.
Now I have to f***ing go BACK to the stealer and ignorantly ask, "What's wrong with my bike?"
I hate that.
Any ideas fellas?
Do you hold the front brake after coming to a stop? I've read and found that those who hold the front brake tight after coming to a complete stop seem to experience more rotor warping than those who come to a complete stop, then release the front brake. Something about the rotors being held while hot between the brake pads. Just a thought. I've got after market rotors from HogPro on my bike and so far have had no signs of warping. I come to a complete stop, then release the front brake. Maybe worth a shot on your next set of rotors.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland
i just took my FLHTK into the dealer for the 10000 mile service and mentioned a vibration in the front and suggested the rotors might be warped.....they checked and yup, warped. replaced under warranty. zero $$
brake pads were still well within specifications. interesting thought about holding the front brake....i do.....maybe i won't and see what happens.
brake pads were still well within specifications. interesting thought about holding the front brake....i do.....maybe i won't and see what happens.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
If your caliper pistons are dirty and sticking they won't retract enough and keep slight pressure on the rotor creating heat. When you stop, that one part of the rotor under the pads will stay hot longer than the rest of the rotor and can warp. Contrary to popular belief, just getting a rotor hot won't warp it (google bedding in brake pads). Uneven cooling caused by coming to a complete stop with a hot rotor will.
You should be able to feel/hear any dragging if you get the wheel in the air and spin it a bit. Work that front brake while you do it to see if the pistons are retracting completely.
You should be able to feel/hear any dragging if you get the wheel in the air and spin it a bit. Work that front brake while you do it to see if the pistons are retracting completely.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
If your caliper pistons are dirty and sticking they won't retract enough and keep slight pressure on the rotor creating heat. When you stop, that one part of the rotor under the pads will stay hot longer than the rest of the rotor and can warp. Contrary to popular belief, just getting a rotor hot won't warp it (google bedding in brake pads). Uneven cooling caused by coming to a complete stop with a hot rotor will.
You should be able to feel/hear any dragging if you get the wheel in the air and spin it a bit. Work that front brake while you do it to see if the pistons are retracting completely.
You should be able to feel/hear any dragging if you get the wheel in the air and spin it a bit. Work that front brake while you do it to see if the pistons are retracting completely.
Thread Starter
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Supporter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 36
From: Hoboken, NJ
So... it IS me. I don't recall it saying in any of my manuals to let go of the front brake while stopped. Interesting.
Luckily, PM trued my Heathen rotors for me, so it looks like they'll be making a return engagement.
Luckily, PM trued my Heathen rotors for me, so it looks like they'll be making a return engagement.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 256
Likes: 12
From: Holbrook, Az
i just took my FLHTK into the dealer for the 10000 mile service and mentioned a vibration in the front and suggested the rotors might be warped.....they checked and yup, warped. replaced under warranty. zero $$
brake pads were still well within specifications. interesting thought about holding the front brake....i do.....maybe i won't and see what happens.
brake pads were still well within specifications. interesting thought about holding the front brake....i do.....maybe i won't and see what happens.
Cost money.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland
wow, that sucks....wonder how one dealer can say warranty and another not? my pads were still real good maybe that might be a difference. dealer didn't even suggest wear and tear and replaced them without batting an eye. tickett says "during the 10,000 mile service the tech found that both front brake rotors are warped....left rotor is .009" right rotar is .015"" over $325.00 in parts and labor....zero $$
Last edited by cass; Jul 8, 2013 at 02:36 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
After a hard stop I usually keep the bike moving a few inches at a time while waiting for a light to change. Nobody ever told me to do this but it seemed reasonable not to keep the hot pads in one spot on the rotor.
