Wierd Front Brake Issue

gcookman

Joined
Mar 22, 2025
Messages
12
Location
Surrey, UK
Bike
NT700VA7
Just replaced both front discs and brake pads. Without brake calipers attached the front wheel spins, not like a bicycle wheel but is free. Mount the brake calipers and its almost solid as if the wheel is semi welded to the axle, not great.
I've released the headstock incase the front end was twisted but no improvement. Mounted left and right calipers separately same issue with each one. Caliper pistons pushed all the way in when mounting new pads so thats all good. Must be the calipers impeding the the discs but hard to see exactly.
Wondering if anyone has had a similar issue.
Cheers,
gav
 
Did you have the wheel off, check that spacers are installed correctly. Next make sure the pads are correctly installed in the calipers.
 
Last edited:
Since you had the wheel OFF, did you take the 4 FORK bolts all the way out? Those 4 pinch axle bolts are LONGER than the caliper bolts. Same 8mm bolt, but longer. I mixed them up and only 1 was mixed up, and the bolt when tighten, bolt goes thru space and locks on your brand new brake disk bending slightly. Look at that situation and report back
 
Thanks for the swift replies everyone. Taken calipers of again and wheel spinning okay. Acceptable but not exactly Grand Prix standard 🤣. Pretty confident pads fitted correctly. Seems the calipers themselves are rubbing against the discs.
 
gcookman said:
... the calipers themselves are rubbing against the discs.
Click to expand...
Well, then it is something you did...

OEM pads or some cheap pattern crap?


long spacer LHS, short spacer RHS...

honda-nt700va-deauville-2007-7-european-direct-salesabs-front-wheel_big00030496f__1100_de41.gif
 
Woodaddict said:
Since you had the wheel OFF, did you take the 4 FORK bolts all the way out? Those 4 pinch axle bolts are LONGER than the caliper bolts. Same 8mm bolt, but longer. I mixed them up and only 1 was mixed up, and the bolt when tighten, bolt goes thru space and locks on your brand new brake disk bending slightly. Look at that situation and report back
Click to expand...
Didn't mix those puppies up, cheers for thinking about it. Much appreciated
 
Got that round the right way. Cheers for the diagram. Pads are good quality not OEM, have you seen the price!!!
ST1100Y said:
Well, then it is something you did...

OEM pads or some cheap pattern crap?


long spacer LHS, short spacer RHS...

honda-nt700va-deauville-2007-7-european-direct-salesabs-front-wheel_big00030496f__1100_de41.gif
Click to expand...
 
After market pads might be your issue. Too thick. I ran across that years ago on one of my motos. Can't remember which one, but taught me a lesson to always try and go with the OEM pads.
 
gcookman said:
Thanks for the swift replies everyone. Taken calipers of again and wheel spinning okay. Acceptable but not exactly Grand Prix standard 🤣. Pretty confident pads fitted correctly. Seems the calipers themselves are rubbing against the discs.
Click to expand...
Even when installed properly, the pads will make an ever so slight contact with the disc. There is a tiny compensating port in the master cylinder to relieve the pressure, but slight contact remains.

Mike
 
mikesim said:
Even when installed properly, the pads will make an ever so slight contact with the disc. There is a tiny compensating port in the master cylinder to relieve the pressure, but slight contact remains.
Click to expand...
Giving the wheel a spin with the front jacked up should give at least 3 full rotations...
 
Got that round the right way. Cheers for the diagram. Pads are good quality not OEM, have you seen the price
ST1100Y said:
Well, then it is something you did...

OEM pads or some cheap pattern crap?


long spacer LHS, short spacer RHS...

honda-nt700va-deauville-2007-7-european-direct-salesabs-front-wheel_big00030496f__1100_de41.gif
Click to expand...
 
Thanks everyone,
Have everything fitted round the right way and correct. I'm pointing the finger at a shot wheel bearing so have order new ones and seals. I have just wheel and axle and when you roll it across the floor after a couple of rotations it all gets a bit tight. Needless to say it was a nervy ride to work this morning.
Will give further update once I've installed new bearings.
Cheers,
gav
 
mikesim said:
Even when installed properly, the pads will make an ever so slight contact with the disc. There is a tiny compensating port in the master cylinder to relieve the pressure, but slight contact remains.

Mike
Click to expand...
That's interesting, will investigate. When you say master cylinder do you mean the reservoir on the handlebar (surely not) or on each of the calipers themselves?
gav
 
gcookman said:
That's interesting, will investigate. When you say master cylinder do you mean the reservoir on the handlebar (surely not) or on each of the calipers themselves?
gav
Click to expand...
Yes, the master cylinder on the handlebar. The compensation port is a tiny orifice that is just before the piston. When you apply the lever, the piston moves forward sealing off the compensation port and allowing the brake fluid to build pressure and force the caliper to clamp the pads to the rotor. When you let go of the lever the piston retracts releasing the pressure and opening the compensation port. The port is used to make sure that there is no remaining pressure in the system applying the pads to the rotor. Also, when they brakes are applied frequently they generate heat which causes the fluid to expand and without the compensation port to relieve pressure, the brakes would lock up. That's why it is very important to periodically flush the brake fluid so no contaminates block the port.

Mike
 
Since you just replaced the discs, it may be a good idea to verify the replacements are correct. Same thickness, offset, etc. Since you say they are rubbing on calipers something is not right there somewhere.
Good luck, look closely.

Arknt
 
Good point Mike. There is usually a SS clip cover directly over the tiny hole to prevent spray from hydraulic pressure.
 
mikesim said:
Yes, the master cylinder on the handlebar. The compensation port is a tiny orifice that is just before the piston. When you apply the lever, the piston moves forward sealing off the compensation port and allowing the brake fluid to build pressure and force the caliper to clamp the pads to the rotor. When you let go of the lever the piston retracts releasing the pressure and opening the compensation port. The port is used to make sure that there is no remaining pressure in the system applying the pads to the rotor. Also, when they brakes are applied frequently they generate heat which causes the fluid to expand and without the compensation port to relieve pressure, the brakes would lock up. That's why it is very important to periodically flush the brake fluid so no contaminates block the port.

Mike
Click to expand...
Gonna need a new pair of glasses to spot that little fella. Thanks for the insight
 
ARKNT said:
Since you just replaced the discs, it may be a good idea to verify the replacements are correct. Same thickness, offset, etc. Since you say they are rubbing on calipers something is not right there somewhere.
Good luck, look closely.

Arknt
Click to expand...
They're good all okay I'm positive. Thanks for taking the time.
Zgav
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom