Brake Help!

[conquest87tsi]

Ok, so this is for a XS750 special, but it has the same brake set up as my XS110 special so it's relevant.

So my father and I are planning a pretty long ride tomarro. He mentioned to me that he had noticed a strange feeling from the front end. Bothered him enough he hadn't ridden in almost a month.

We put the bike on the center stand and I had him put some weight on the rear to lift the front wheel. I turned the wheel by hand and there was significant resistance. The wheel will not spin at all without force. Did the same with my XS1100 and the wheel will turn over 1 revolution before stopping when spun.

I removed both calipers to determine whether there is a bad wheel bearing, or if it the brakes. With the calipers removed, the wheel spins freely. Both calipers were free and the pistons moved well. Also the brakes work well. Pads look to be wearing fairly evenly, better than mine at least. There is a little bit or marking on the rotor signifying that the brakes are dragging a bit.

Does anyone know what is causing this? I am at a loss. Is this something shims would correct? I was under the impression that clips would bring the pads out even further.

Is this something that will go away after the pads wear a bit? We have never put pads on the bike, and I do not believe the pads are newish at all. Only owned it for 6 months.

Thanks for any help.

[petejw]

inside the master cylinder u have 2 port holes,
the smaller port hole tends to block up,
this prevents the piston from returning inside the caliper.
with a little bit of wire give it a cpl of prods,
tho the best bet would be to disassemble and clean,
its not a big job.

[conquest87tsi]

Port Hole

Thank you so much Pete. Glad your in a different time zone buddy. Didn't have to wait until tomarro for that one.

Thanks again.

[petejw]

no worries shane,
hopefully thatl get u sorted.

[mack]

Caliper pistons

While you have the calipers off, I'd also look at the top of your pistons. Remove the retainer ring and rubber dust shield and see if you find any rust, corrotion or a build up of crap around the out side of the piston where it slips into the caliper barrel. This can also prevent the piston from relaxing after the brakes have been applied.