Triumphrat

05-29-2007, 02:01 AM

Own an '06 Bonneville T100 with about 5,600 miles on it that has recently developed something of a intermittent grinding noise on the front end (left side).

Considered maybe some grit had worked its way into the bearings, or the dreaded warped rotor problem that I've read about but no hot spots on the rotor, no deep groves, no discoloration. Plus, it seems to me that both of those issues would cause a constant sound.

This sound seems to come and go at will, unrelated to speed, gear, turn direction, etc. The only consistent thing is that the slightest touch of the front break will silence the noise. Is this a brake pad issue? I seem to recall that they'll grind when they're going out on you.

One more clue: I had the the speedo cable work its way loose on me a couple of weeks back. Speedo drive problem?

What's my first step to get this figured out? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[ This message was edited by: BrianKal on 2007-05-29 20:32 ]

05-31-2007, 04:09 PM

Or am I just so far off base that none of you are even going to bother responding?

05-31-2007, 09:55 PM

Sorry, but you've got a question I can't answer. Wish I could help, but I just don't know...

Cheers, good luck,
-Kit

trypcil · 05-31-2007, 10:53 PM

Waaaaay back I remember that the oem pads didn't last very long on my S3, take a look and see how much pad you have left - they may be nearly done. :razz:

Normandy · 06-01-2007, 01:03 AM

Grinding and speedo cable problem at the same time ? Pull your front wheel and remove and inspect the speedo drive components before particles cause futher problems.

twstm · 06-01-2007, 12:27 PM

Pull the caliper off and look at the pads...sounds like a brake problem if it goes away with a slight application of the brakes.
Ditch the OEM pads.

kludge · 06-01-2007, 04:45 PM

Sounds to me like the brake pads aren't pulling back properly but are dragging slightly. I would clean the caliper thoroughly, make sure the pistons are clean. If your caliper is the type with sliding pins, make sure to clean those and relube with the correct high-temp grease. Of course this is the perfect time to replace the pads if they are worn.

06-01-2007, 05:03 PM

Yup. You're all 100% correct. Broke down and took her by the dealership today. Front brake pads on the way out after only 5600 short miles (apparently my right hand is a bit stronger than my right leg as the rear pads are fine). Triumph dealer here in Tucson kind enough to diagnose the problem free of charge and I was lucky enough to pick up the last set of pads in stock. Now just waiting for my Haynes manual to get shipped so I can use my front brakes again! Though I don't imagine it's any different than the pads I once changed on an old '77 Cadillac I owned. Thanks for all the help. Peace.