Front Brake

[Geeza]

Anyone had problem with a hard, almost clunky front brake? When I nearly come to a stop, the last part of the braking sequence seems to be very slow clunk from the caliper through to the brake lever. I've changed pads and brake fluid, but I just do not have a FEEL when braking on the front end! I try to use the front brake more than rear as I am on my 3rd discs/rotor. I know I ride 'hard', but she is a BIG girl to stop in a hurry!!! Any help is good help...thanks.

[Ricky-D]

Sounds more like a suspension problem.

Worn bushings in the front shock absorbers will give that response.

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[Daniel Meyer]

The calipers should "float" on the pins, make sure that is not seized up.

What pads are you using? I've had little luck with anything but oem's if running stock rotors.

Also, make sure your lever is not binding...a little lube on the pivot (and check the bushing to make sure it's not worn out) works wonders.

[Geeza]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I must admit I have not used oem pads for a number of years as I usually use EBC (but not the sintered ones). I guess it's about time to pull the front end apart and go thru it all. Cheers

[Ricky-D]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I must admit I have not used oem pads for a number of years as I usually use EBC (but not the sintered ones). I guess it's about time to pull the front end apart and go thru it all. Cheers

Seems like a pretty extreme measure seeing there are a plethora of examinations and testings to find the cause of the problem.

And I feel that to " pull the front end apart" may not necessarily reveal the root cause of your problem.

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[redflash]

pull the brake lever and check for smoothness where it contacts the master cylinder piston, mine was rough and giving that same feeling in the lever. A little sanding with some fine emery cloth and a dot of marine, high pressure grease fixed her right up.

[Red Diamond]

When you remove the front wheel, take either of the rotors in your hands like a steering wheel. When the float rivets get loose you can rock the disk rotor back and forth. Sometimes that clunking noise comes from there, either on stopping forward or stopping as the bike is rolled backwards.

[The Anvil]

When you remove the front wheel, take either of the rotors in your hands like a steering wheel. When the float rivets get loose you can rock the disk rotor back and forth. Sometimes that clunking noise comes from there, either on stopping forward or stopping as the bike is rolled backwards.

That would have been my first instinct too.