front brake clicking
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
The sound you are hearing is most likely caused by the rotational clearance between the pad(s) and the caliper. It's actually quite common. When you apply the brake the pad(s) will move slightly within the caliper to take up the clearance. When the pad(s) reach their limit of travel and hit the caliper, that is the "click" you are hearing. I wouldn't be concerned.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
I have the same issue. Only happens on the first application of the breaks. Took it in to the dealer and the service manager says.......wait for it......"that's normal". I've known other riders report the same sound. Checked everything for tightness/abnormalities and can't find anything. Well, at least it's on record that it's been checked out. I'm riding it and enjoying it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I have the same issue. Only happens on the first application of the breaks. Took it in to the dealer and the service manager says.......wait for it......"that's normal". I've known other riders report the same sound. Checked everything for tightness/abnormalities and can't find anything. Well, at least it's on record that it's been checked out. I'm riding it and enjoying it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
There is a small piece of metal that is put in there for anti vibration. The ends of the spring go around the pad and provides a small amount of tension to keep from hearing this clicking noise. Sometimes it gets worn. A couple of dabs of high temp grease will put all well. It could be that if your brakes were replaced, someone lost the little spring device or it could just need a little grease. Many, many people complain of this noise. Many tech monkeys at the stealers are not aware of the little tensioner.
Last edited by Retrop; Sep 8, 2013 at 06:05 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Bothell, WA
Good topic. I experience this but not on the first application of the front brakes but the second. To get the bike on the road I back down my driveway and come to a stop going backwards using the front brake. Then next time I use the front brakes I get the click once.
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