Front brake issue

[SigepKat]

For the past few weeks, when I've gotten on my front brakes, there's been a chattering/vibration up the bars. It only happens on the fronts and I initially thought it was the ABS, but it happens even at low speeds. I haven't actually pulled anything apart yet, but it looks like the pads still have plenty of life. Does anyone have any guesses of what it might be?

CM

 

[infrared]

For the past few weeks, when I've gotten on my front brakes, there's been a chattering/vibration up the bars. It only happens on the fronts and I initially thought it was the ABS, but it happens even at low speeds. I haven't actually pulled anything apart yet, but it looks like the pads still have plenty of life. Does anyone have any guesses of what it might be?CM

CM,

Without seeing the problem, it's kinda like shooting in the dark . . . Check the steering head bearings for any looseness, and re-torque if needed. Centerstand the bike, and have somebody sit on the back to lift the front wheel. Spin the front wheel and check that the disks are not warped. A very light touch of the brakes should rub the disks lightly as the wheel spins, with no grabbing at any place. The front disks may be contaminated, which brake cleaner and paper towels may fix. If the pads are contaminated also (which would usually go with dirty disks), you may need new pads there. If so, this would be a good time to shop for better pads.

Check back, with updates.

Cheers,

Infrared

 

[C&C]

I think you have glazed rotor/pads; usually a couple of aggressive stops can remove some of the glaze. If not, you may have to disassemble and remove glazing with some sandpaper.

 

[its just rain]

Same thing happened to me. The steering head bearings were loose. Tightened them, the problem went away.

 

[SigepKat]

It seems like a couple of 30-0 stops fixed the issue, but I'm going to check the steering head bearings when I get a chance. Thanks y'all.

CM

 

[mcatrophy]

Have you had rain recently? [Wot, in Texas?]

Rust on the brake discs will cause some grating noise until the rust has been rubbed off. Well known in wet climes if the bike's been left damp for a few hours, probably an uncommon but not impossible occurrence where you are.

 

[Datechmaster]

I think you have glazed rotor/pads; usually a couple of aggressive stops can remove some of the glaze. If not, you may have to disassemble and remove glazing with some sandpaper.

Same thing happened to me. The steering head bearings were loose. Tightened them, the problem went away.

I would agree that it could be one of these 2 things. I had the same issue with my 84 Venture and tightening the head bearings worked.

 

[15wannabe]

SKat, if it's a light/mild vibration, consider it to be normal. I have experienced that on all 2 of my FJRs, but only at low speeds as I approach the stop. I am pretty sure it's the movement of the floating discs (horizontally) in concert with the split brake pads.

 

[SigepKat]

Not to resurrect an old thread, but could this be bad wheel bearings?

Chris

 

[Intech]

Not to resurrect an old thread, but could this be bad wheel bearings?
Chris

Not likely as bad wheel bearings would be noticeable without applying brakes. You would probably be seeing some funky tire wear patterns if the wheel bearings were going bad. I am guessing that the problem came back after the 30-0 stops and will not go away with a couple more? Put it on the center stand and jack it up with a board across the pipes to raise the front wheel. Grasp the wheel and pull at a 90 degree angle to the forks. Is there a lot of play? If there is it is you steering head bearing. If not check the wheel itself for free play to eliminate the wheel bearing. What do the rotors look like?