 front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
2002 Bonnieville America went to go for a little ride this evening,as I slowed for a corner I heard a "rubbing" noise from the front end. pulled over and started checking. I grabbed the caliper,and it wiggled a little. headed home and put new pads on as the ones on it were pretty well shot. caliper still wiggles. caliper bracket bolts are tight. is this normal? any ideas? I posted the video to my Facebook account. not sure if I did it right. here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/jon.lund.754/videos/325151564506658/thanks
Last edited by Bruce_Wayne; 09/24/2016 11:58 PM.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
The calipers are meant to collapse in order maintain a repeatable and consistent pinch on the rotor as the pads wear. I would be looking at your rotor first, to ascertain it's not warped. A good straight edge will tattle on any warpage, but to get a good survey, you may have to pull the rotor. If it's warped bad enough, it will show in situ.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
Quote:
The calipers are meant to collapse in order maintain a repeatable pinch on the rotor as the pads wear. I would be looking at your rotor first, to ascertain it's not warped. A good straight edge will tattle on any warpage, but to get a good survey, you may have to pull the rotor. If it's warped bad enough, it will show in situ.
I'll check it with a straight edge when I get home. Is it safe to ride like it is? After I put the new pads on,I went for a spin around the bkock. Seemed to be ok,didnt hear the noise I heard before,and no vibrations coming from the front brakes. I can hear the new pads rubbing slightly on the rotor,could that be because the brake pads are new? What is situ? thanks
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Sorry, "In Situ" is Latin for in place or as it is. I dealt with too many civil and mechanical engineers over the years. I remember asking the same question in the early 70s. Should be safe to ride, if your rotor is warped, the brake will not work at peak efficiency and the pads will wear a bit faster. You have the best time of the year to shop for one , if needed. The prices will increase come Spring.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
With those new pads on,it stops real good now! Before you had to give the front brake lever a "good" squeeze,now it's a"light" squeeze.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Maybe the new pads squared it away, let's hope so.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
Quote:
Maybe the new pads squared it away, let's hope so.
It still has a slight wiggle though,even after the new pads. Did you watch the video I posted? Just wondering if the link worked for you or not. Thanks
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
When you put the new pads in did you lube the pins? Your local auto store sells hi temp disc brake lube that's perfect for those pins, that'll keep the pads from hanging up and dragging on the rotor.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
Quote:
When you put the new pads in did you lube the pins? Your local auto store sells hi temp disc brake lube that's perfect for those pins, that'll keep the pads from hanging up and dragging on the rotor.
I did.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I couldn't get the video to load, BTW. Error Message:Sorry, this content isn't available right now
The link you followed may have expired, or the page may only be visible to an audience you're not in.
Go back to the previous page · Go to News Feed · Visit our Help Center
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Quote:
Quote:
Maybe the new pads squared it away, let's hope so.
It still has a slight wiggle though,even after the new pads. Did you watch the video I posted? Just wondering if the link worked for you or not. Thanks
I think you may be back to checking the rotor for runout.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
The rotor also needs to be measured for thickness...it could be worn too thin, &/or could be warped.
How many miles on it? Are you in hill/mtn country?
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 31 |
Quote:
The rotor also needs to be measured for thickness...it could be worn too thin, &/or could be warped.
How many miles on it? Are you in hill/mtn country?
I'm in the flats for the most part. 11,500 miles on the bike. I would assume it's the original rotor. I'll ride until the season is over and then do an overhaul of the brake system:new rotors,new pads, and caliper rebuild or replace.
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Re: front brake caliper wiggle
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Unless warped or you had a bad caliper the rotor should be OK at 12,000 miles. You can put a dial indicator against the side of the rotor and spin it to see if it is warped. Alternately you can put a pensil through a piece of wood against it and it should not move when the wheel is turned. I used to true spoked wheels with a pencil. Nail a 2x4 to each side of a wide enough piece of wood to accept the hub. On the top of the 2x4s cut a V for the axle to rest in. Drill a hole in one of the 2x4s for the pencil so the tip would touch the rotor. Spin the wheel and if the pencil moves the rotor os warped.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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