Triumphrat

mbalce · 03-14-2008

Looking for input...

I did spend almost 60 whole seconds doing searches for an answer, so if this has come up before, my apologies....

Put my 2002 T100 up on the lift today, was just going to lube the chain wipe down the wheels and noticed that the front tire was pretty hard to turn and it does not seem the brake is releasing as much as it should.

To give an idea on how much drag there is, I can grab a spoke with one finger and turn it but as soon as I release it stops. Rear wheel turns noticeably easier and will continue spinning for about a quarter turn. Took the brake caliper off and front wheel spins nicely. Took the retaining pin out of the pads to check for grooves but it looked ok. Pads are low, need replacing but have seen worse, will probably pick up some pads this weekend. Nudged the pistons in a bit, cleaned and lubed retaining pin and reassembled. Pumped up the front brake and still dragging. Rode it to work, was meaning to check if the rotor was hot but forgot by the time I got here. Doh....

Sooo...
Does this seem normal?
Has anyone run into this before?
Do you think new pads (which will put the pistons back into the caliper significantly) will help?
Any guidance on the best replacement pads? (think there are some threads on this but really a secondary issue at this point)

Thanks!!

Mark

modre · 03-14-2008

since you haven't changed your brake fluid as advised, water from the air has accumulated at the low point...which is the piston in the caliper, and the piston is not free to retract...it's not totally froze yet as you still have brakes, but it's on the way.

after you take it all apart and clean or replace the parts, change your fluid on a regular basis so as not to repeat the perplexity.

mbalce · 03-14-2008

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it. Only got the bike a month ago with no service records so this does seem like the reasonable explanation.

modre · 03-14-2008

the seller likely knew it and dumped it like a worm...but usually it's cleanable...as long as the cylinder walls aren't pitted...clean it good and use the old parts...if it weeps. replace the seals.

saints change the fluid every year, but regular guys do every other. 4-5 years is long on mc hydraulics...but not unheard of.

there's always the caution against using brake fluid from an open container since it already may have water in it...and if you aren't a big brake fluid consumer it's good advice.

keep fresh fluid in there bi-annually and that shouldn't reoccur.

the only question is did the heat warp or score the discs.

new pads need time to seat to the uneven surface so don't glaze them with hard braking until they seat. you might also hone the surface with sandcloth...do it in an X pattern or at least across the disc and not in line with the wear grooves.

mc discs are thin and usually don't get cut...but you can cheat a wee bit. there will be a wear number on it somewhere...should say something like "min 4.5mm" or such.

CAPTDON · 03-14-2008

Just put mine on the lift today (gotta love those things) to clean & lube my chain.Been 600 mi. Been noticing some noise on the ftbrake. It still spins ok but there is a slight warpage there. The rear is fine. The ft drags slightly when spinning it on the warped point. I gotts talk to my bud (MC racer ) owns shop & see if he can cut it slightly? Not real bad braking till slow speed. Will let ya know. Not real bad yet as said but will only get worse from the drag. 04 here & havent done anything w/ my fluid yet. A thought for thwe future tho?

mbalce · 03-16-2008

Was going to dive into it tomorrow, but one observation I do have is that I have never had this issue with other bikes of similar or even older age and I have never been a big change the brake fluid kinda guy.

Is there any issue with the metallurgy that Triumph uses that makes these vehicles more sensitive or susceptible?

I got an 02 HD that I've had since new with over 30k miles and its never had the fluid changed. Change the pads pretty often and they work great. My 2000 Ducati ST4 that I sold last year with 17k miles never had the fluid changed. I have a 1996 Jaguar VDP I've owned for 5 years thats probably has never had a brake fluid change, or at least for the 10 years that I have the service records on.

I dont know if its Southern California where it never freezes and our idea of high humidity makes most people laugh but I have just never had an issue like this. Only vehicle I have recollection of having this done is a 1971 Jag E-type that we bought about 3 years ago and had been sitting long enough that a couple of calipers were sticking and we just had the fluid changed and started driving it more regular and they free'd up.

As far as I know the Triumph has been in at least the SW its whole life. According to a guy at Triumph in GA I talked to it was first sold in AZ and at some point made it to Southern Cal....

Anyway, just strikes me odd.

Baltobonneville · 03-16-2008

Captain, I wonder if the "warpage" you see could be some rear misalignment? It's something to check out at least before you assume it's warped.

CAPTDON · 03-16-2008

Did 120 mi last sat. Was real hard on the ft brake. All smoothed rite out!! Coulda been some errant lube from a garage mate on it?? All is well now!! Checked the ft pads & there is plenty of wear slots left on them. I think - lack of use & some loose spray lube was the culprit??

mbalce · 03-16-2008

Update - Didnt have a new sealing washer and no where to get one on Sunday so decided to try just changing the pads and the fluid. The existing fluid looked clear and light, almost identical to the new fluid. It was not dark and fungy as I have seen old fluid look so I dont believe this was the first brake fluid change.

After the fluid and pad change all seems good. Front tire spins much better and in driving around 5 miles without touching the front brake the rotor was cool to the touch upon stopping.

Dont know if it was the new fluid or the new position of the pistons with the pads but seems to be releasing fine now.

modre · 03-17-2008

if you didn't clean the pistons and bores you didn't do it all.

good luck with shortcuts

my words were there for you...and there's always a reason behind them.