Need Help Front wheel/brake issue
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Need Help Front wheel/brake issue
2010 FLHX Street Glide Stock rim
Took my front wheel off to have the bearings replaced (due to failure). Set the Calipers to rest/hang on motor/crash bar. Wheel was off for approximately 1 week. When I put the wheel back on, it seems that the wheel does not spin with ease. In fact, when I give it a spin, the wheel will only spin about 1/4 revolution. It feels like the calipers are grabbing on the rotors to tight. Is this normal? I think it spun a little more freely before this episode? Tips and advice welcome. Thanks in advance.
Took my front wheel off to have the bearings replaced (due to failure). Set the Calipers to rest/hang on motor/crash bar. Wheel was off for approximately 1 week. When I put the wheel back on, it seems that the wheel does not spin with ease. In fact, when I give it a spin, the wheel will only spin about 1/4 revolution. It feels like the calipers are grabbing on the rotors to tight. Is this normal? I think it spun a little more freely before this episode? Tips and advice welcome. Thanks in advance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
I doubt that the problem lies withing the brake system. Were the spacers put back in properly? Were the bearings properly installed? Take it apart, and put it back together again.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 184
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From: SoCal
Copy that, larsfum. Bearings installed by a respected wheel shop in the area. I have the Service manual and took dozens of photos to assist me with the reinstall. I'am taking it off and will do a careful reinstall. Just checking to see if there is something "common" that I might be missing.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If the brake pads are fairly new you may be experiencing brake drag.
Did you set the axle with a drill bit or something. I use a Allen wrench. Then tighten the axle clamp, then the axle nut.
hope you get it.
Did you set the axle with a drill bit or something. I use a Allen wrench. Then tighten the axle clamp, then the axle nut.
hope you get it.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 575
Likes: 190
From: USA
I would put it back together without the spacer and just tighten the axial nut to touch the lower leg. Apply the brakes while spinning the wheel and it will center based on the rotors / calipers. Now if you can spin the wheel real easy and no drag then check the gap and measure on both sides. This will tell you if the bearings are not in the exact location as the originals. I guess you can verify what thickness is needed to keep the wheel in that location and spin freely. Might need one on both sides.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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Did you push the brake pads back in the calipers before putting them back on over the rotors? The only thing I can think of is maybe the bearings are off a little from where they were initially.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 5
From: Central Calif
not to be silly -- several years ago I had a rear tire installed on rim -- got it back put in on the bike and pumped up the brake -- backed out of the driveway the next morning -- stepped on the brake -- no brake. So I thought -- I didn't pump the brake last night -- went to the corner no brake -- make a long story short -- when installing the tire , they bent the rotor -- went to Harley and bought a new rotor then went to the place that changed the tire and asked for money for the rotor (about 100) they said that was too much and they would give what their parts dept would charge for that rotor -- they called them -- and was told it would be 259 dollars -- they didn't think that 100 dollars was so bad after all.
so first -- take calipers off and spin wheel -- it shold be fairly smooth and make a couple of revolutions -- then install one caliper and do the same and finally the other each caliper will reduce the spin -- and it should make a slight drag sound
so first -- take calipers off and spin wheel -- it shold be fairly smooth and make a couple of revolutions -- then install one caliper and do the same and finally the other each caliper will reduce the spin -- and it should make a slight drag sound
Supporter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,309
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From: Monroe, NC
I have the same issue on my 09 Ultra. Just replaced front tire and wheel bearings. With the calipers off the wheel spins like a top but once the calipers are on I get quite a bit of drag. I know the bearing placement was correct because the calipers and brake pads line right up with the rotor. I also wonder if its normal but am assuming it is.