Motorcycle Brakes Maintenance
Your motorcycle brakes play a crucial role in keeping you safe on every ride you take. To ensure that they function smoothly, you need to perform some basic maintenance. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the following list of simple tasks you can do to keep your brakes working well. Read on to learn more and call Boston Harley-Davidson with any questions. We are located in Revere, Massachusetts and proudly serve Boston and Malden!
Pulsing Brakes
If you notice your motorcycle brakes pulsing when used, it’s time for some maintenance! This usually occurs when you drag the brakes or use them heavily. The best option is to replace the warped rotors. Although this can be expensive, you should be able to find some more affordable options. Before you change the rotors, make sure it’s not sticking caliper sliders and pistons that are creating the problem.
Squealing Brakes
Is your motorcycle making a squeaking sound when you brake hard? This usually means the brake linings are worn out. As they wear down, the caliper pistons extend and lower the fluid levels. Use a flashlight to inspect the brake pads.
In terms of maintenance, you may need to remove and sand both pads and rotors with some emery cloth and apply some anti-squeal product to the back of the pads. Next, replace them. This should reduce the squealing noise.
Wearing out Quickly
Sometimes your bike’s pads start to wear out faster than they should. This happens when a caliper piston or a slider is sticking. You can combat this with a little simple maintenance! Clean and grease any slides or pivot points and apply a high-temperature silicone grease. If you’re removing old pads, gently pry them to push the pistons back. Be careful. Pushing pistons can lead to an overflow of the master cylinder reservoir. In order to avoid this, connect a small hose to the bleeder and let it drain in a can.
Bleeding Brakes
One more common maintenance issue you may come across with your motorcycle is bleeding brakes. This happens as your fluid absorbs moisture over time. You’ll need to replace the fluids every year or two depending on how often you use your motorcycle. Never let the fluid get too dark! Use a bleeding kit to catch the fluids. Attach the kit to the fluid nipple on the calliper. Loosen the nipple so the fluid begins to drain into the can. Finally, refill the fluid.
We hope these simple maintenance tips help you keep your motorcycle’s brakes running smoothly! If you have any questions or you want to buy a new bike, contact Boston Harley-Davidson in Revere, Massachusetts. We are proud to serve Boston and Malden, and we can’t wait to help with all of your riding needs!