Front brake doesn’t feel right since changing front tire

OldRider

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I think you're just missing something. If all you did was take the caliper off to change the tire there's just not all that much that can go wrong. If the piston wasn't sticking before the tire change, it shouldn't be sticking afterwards. Please do tell what the problem was when you figure it out.
 

Wheelin

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Hi there Patrick, Once I get back from my Grand Canyon ride in a few weeks, you are more than welcome to bring your bike over to my place if you still need help with the brakes. I have been following this thread and it's almost impossible to get good advice without seeing the bike. There are dozens of ways to remove and replace wheels, brakes and tires. The video you watched is a great basic "how to". I have strange days off but will let you know and maybe we can work something out. Just shoot me a PM and I'll give you my scheduled days off for he next few months.

I personally do not like speed bleeders or check valve tools. I have my own special way that works for me. Your issue could be something simple or you might have to take it to a good mechanic.

The two best ones near you in Orange County are Gustin's and Mach 1. I have known both Graham Gustin and Long Mach for close to 20 years.

Grahams shop is fairly new. He started his own business when Champion Motorcycles owner retired.
https://www.gustinmotorsports.com/

Long Mach is an old school mechanic who purchased my grandfathers building on Industrial Way. He also has a dyno tuning available. Not cheap but he is really really good.
http://mach1ca.com/
GRAND CANYON?! Why, I oughta....

Kidding. Seriously jealous, though. Appreciate the advice on the mechanic.

I’ll definitely PM you on my availability. Thanks.
 

Wheelin

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One more thing that can cause brake drag is over filled master cylinder, even just a little over full can lead to trouble.
Hmmmmm. Didn’t think of that one.


W/o using the front brake, if you pumped up the lever to firm before going on the ride, you shouldn't be able to pump it up afterwards. It should still feel firm on the first squeeze. If it can/has to be pumped up to firm, then something is pushing the pads out while in motion. This is typically a warp or bend issue when that occurs.
Firm as in I shouldn't be able to hardly squeeze the brake? Because I pump the lever forever and I don't feel a discernible firming up happening.

.
Your issue could be something simple or you might have to take it to a good mechanic.

The two best ones near you in Orange County are Gustin's and Mach 1. I have known both Graham Gustin and Long Mach for close to 20 years.

Grahams shop is fairly new. He started his own business when Champion Motorcycles owner retired.
https://www.gustinmotorsports.com/

Long Mach is an old school mechanic who purchased my grandfathers building on Industrial Way. He also has a dyno tuning available. Not cheap but he is really really good.
http://mach1ca.com/
Thanks for the contacts!
 

Wheelin

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Southern CA
So I went to the mechanic today. He advised me that there were things I could have done better (i.e. don't shove the brake pad clips so far into the brake pad pin, or you risk impacting the brake pad, don't overfill the master cylinder (alluded to in this thread by @Cycledude), but the biggest problem was that I still had air left in the brake system. So the mechanic cleaned up some brake components, used a MityVac to flush the brake system, took the bike for a ride, and it's off to the races, & I was out $60.00. I guess that's the price of incompetence. Hopefully I've learned a little something from this experience. That Mityvac is definitely looking attractive. Made the bleeding much faster. (Of course, they're professionals, so they SHOULD do it faster than me.) I've got to get better with my bleeding technique.

I guess the one thing I can take comfort in was that at least my body recognized that something was wrong--even if it was all my fault.:rolleyes:

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions and help.
 
Last edited:
R

RonH

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Glad it's fixed, but how in the heck did air get in doing a tire change by simply removing the caliper?
 

EricV

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Glad you got it sorted and w/o too much cost. Consider it a learning experience and don't stress over it. Maybe take Chris up on his offer next time you have a maintenance task. It can be helpful to have someone else watch over you as you do something and give you tips on easier ways to do something or things to watch for during the task.
 

Wheelin

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Messages
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Location
Southern CA
Glad you got it sorted and w/o too much cost. Consider it a learning experience and don't stress over it. Maybe take Chris up on his offer next time you have a maintenance task. It can be helpful to have someone else watch over you as you do something and give you tips on easier ways to do something or things to watch for during the task.
I would love to have an experienced set of eyes watching over me while I bumble and fumble about. (ie “hold on there, trigger. Are you forgetting something?” kind of advice.). Chris and I both have fairly busy schedules, but we definitely plan on meeting soon.
 
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