Front brake noise?
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 95
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From: Sachse, TX
On most MC brake pads, when looking at the pads thru the inspection window on the caliper, there will be a notch about half or 3/4 of the way thru the pad thickness, this is your wear indicator. When that notch is no longer visible, its about time for new pads.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Last edited by acchd; Aug 7, 2013 at 10:46 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Thanks I didn't think so...so to update I can not believe what a PITA this is turning out to be. I am ashamed to say I am (well was) an ASE master tech, Chrysler master tech and have been wrenching on jap bikes for years but for whatever reason these HD brakes are kickin my butt
Took calipers off 1 at a time, the right side (if your in the saddle facing the front of the bike - this would be the side the brake pedal & lever are on) was definitely more snug than the other one. Pads still have some life left so I cleaned up the pistons, and only the 2 pistons twords the outside of the bike move and the ones closest to the wheel don't even think about moving. Is that normal?
Then I tried to put the pads back in and as soon as I slide the pin in it pushes the pads to the inside (wheel side) of the caliper and no matter what I do I can not get them to slide on the pin in the caliper BUT if I take the pads out & put the pin in it slides like it is supposed to.
To make it all better now the other side (as I spin the wheel up in the air) is making the same rubbing noise.
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! I really don't want to go buying 2 new calipers if I don't need to.
Took calipers off 1 at a time, the right side (if your in the saddle facing the front of the bike - this would be the side the brake pedal & lever are on) was definitely more snug than the other one. Pads still have some life left so I cleaned up the pistons, and only the 2 pistons twords the outside of the bike move and the ones closest to the wheel don't even think about moving. Is that normal?
Then I tried to put the pads back in and as soon as I slide the pin in it pushes the pads to the inside (wheel side) of the caliper and no matter what I do I can not get them to slide on the pin in the caliper BUT if I take the pads out & put the pin in it slides like it is supposed to.
To make it all better now the other side (as I spin the wheel up in the air) is making the same rubbing noise.
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! I really don't want to go buying 2 new calipers if I don't need to.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
You are fighting the anti rattle pad spring in the caliper when pushing in the pins, I use silicon lube on the pins, put the front pin in thru both pads and into the rear pin seat of the inner caliper half. Then you have to push up on the rear part of the pad, outer first than inner and the rear pin should go in.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: san diego
you can use that as a reference point but those slots are there to release the gas buildup as braking occurs. it allows the gas from between the pad and the rotor to escape and allow better contact to the rotor. actual wear is measured by pad thickness itself, and yes it is a reasonable gauge to use to replace pads, but it is not a sensor or a scraper, like cars have on them as the OP originally was asking, maybe looking for a warning light or some squeal noise. so the slots still break to to visual inspection.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
you can use that as a reference point but those slots are there to release the gas buildup as braking occurs. it allows the gas from between the pad and the rotor to escape and allow better contact to the rotor. actual wear is measured by pad thickness itself, and yes it is a reasonable gauge to use to replace pads, but it is not a sensor or a scraper, like cars have on them as the OP originally was asking, maybe looking for a warning light or some squeal noise. so the slots still break to to visual inspection.