Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech We are not the only ones with rotor problems

I did a google search just for kicks. There is quite a few discussions about this but for cars. Here is an intersting discussion that may apply to us. Basically overtightened lugnuts and caliper failures, bad driving habits and rainwater.

Google brake rotor problem discussion

I used the following search keywords: warp brake rotor
Interestingly there was almost nothing when I added "motorcycle" to the keywords.

ImOk

I realize I'm getting older and set in my ways, but I still think the problem has to either be the calipers not allowing the brake pads to retract or the rotors are just bad from the factory. True, if the mounting surface is uneven or corroded, and the mounting bolt torque for the rotors is uneven, it could cause a problem, but all things being equal, rotors usually warp due to excessive heat. That would be caused by the brake pads dragging.
I guess I sort of have an advantage, as I must push my TA around in the garage in order to turn it around to go out. I can hear and feel if the brakes are dragging, and a few times I have removed the calipers and cleaned them out with some brake cleaner and after that the dragging was gone. I will be interested to find out what the factory finally tells Adey....

Grump,
I too must push and pull before I can "get it out" but I have not felt or heard any drag from the brakes. Granted Rogue is only a years old with only 7000 miles, but should I be doing a cleaning on the calipers say along with the oil change?
Thanks in adavance.

Aroobie,
For what it takes to unbolt the calipers, I would at least look at them at every oil change. And, since I got only about 4800 out of the stock rear pads, I make it a point to check them on the bike every 1000-2000 miles or so.
~broken record mode~
A lot depends on where you ride, how you ride, etc....
I found a small rock wedged in my front caliper when I checked it at my 8000 mile oil change, but they had just tarred and chipped a few local roads prior to that.
Do what makes you comfy...

"....all things being equal, rotors usually warp due to excessive heat. That would be caused by the brake pads dragging."

Grump-

I replied in the other thred too, but another factor is the type of material used to make the brake pads. Judging by the incredible mileage that has been reported on the Triumph brakes, I think that's the likely source of the problem. In road racing, ceramic pads are notorious for warping rotors, due to the excessive heat buildup.....