What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

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Pony Ruiz
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What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#1

Post by Pony Ruiz »

Well.....
Either I haven't noticed or it is getting worse.

When I apply the front brake at low speed (20ish0 I feel it grabbing, then not, then grabbing again. It is like a jerking motion.

Makes me think the rotor is not flat.

I haven't changed the pads since I've had the bike so I'm wondering if maybe they are suspect and or would have an affect on things.

I don't feel it when I'm going faster over 35ish. My guess is the wheel is spinning faster and therefore there is a warp it is not noticeable.

Is there a way to check this without taking things apart?
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#2

Post by pjlogue »

Check both rotor and pad for any glazing/pitting. If no glazing on either then check the rotor for runout with a dial gauge. If you have any runout check all rotor to hub mounting surfaces for any crud/oxidation that could hold the rotor from true. I have yet to hear of a warped rotor but it isn't impossible.

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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#3

Post by Whiskerfish »

I have not run into a warped OEM rotor. Aftermarket Yes. Rotors can be resurfaced by any decent machine shop. I would check the runout to be sure. Something as simple as a piece of coat hanger attached to one of the forks and pointed close to the rotor than jack the front end and rotate the tire and watch closely.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#4

Post by redglbx »

Couple of things to add.

If it were me I would take it out and run it up to 60-80mph and do a couple of “hard” stops with just the front brake. What this does is hopefully burn/remove any glazing on the rotors. Glazing is generally a by-product of material transfer from the pads to the rotor and is not an uncommon thing.

If you do indeed have warped rotors they should be blanchard ground preferably over just turning because it gives a much better surface and is how they were done when new.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#5

Post by Pony Ruiz »

I'm guessing glazing (buildup) could be part or all of the problem. But like Sgt. Shulze said, "I know nuthingk."
Good to know it's probably not a warped rotor.
I don't know what "runout" is, or how to use a gauge (coat hanger) but I reckon I will find out.

thanks!
1978GL1000 naked - kinda sadly gone. no bike at the moment.

"The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function." Albert A. Bartlett.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#6

Post by tlbranth »

I'd clean the rotor with brakleen and give it a go. I'm pretty sure I have a jig for my wood lathe for cleaning up (sanding)1000 discs if you want to take them off and fetch them over. Also have a dial indicator someplace to check for runout.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#7

Post by Pony Ruiz »

Thanks!
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#8

Post by BlueThunder »

Replace the pads. The pads don't always wear uniformly.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#9

Post by tlbranth »

BlueThunder wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 9:18 pm Replace the pads. The pads don't always wear uniformly.
I don't think that would explain the symptoms
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#10

Post by LuckyEddie »

Do you give your bike a proper wash with soap and water or do you use the spray and wipe method with a waterless product....
The latter may leave a film on the exposed part of the rotor, even if it is just over spray.
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Re: What's going on? (Front Brake) Warped rotor?

#11

Post by redglbx »

LuckyEddie wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 10:32 am Do you give your bike a proper wash with soap and water or do you use the spray and wipe method with a waterless product....
The latter may leave a film on the exposed part of the rotor, even if it is just over spray.
Personally, I prefer to use the new ceramic polish’s to get my rotors nice and shiny ! Morning Eddie !
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1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
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