New tire=sticking front brakes?

[bobobaggins]

Took my bike to the shop and had a new front tire put on the front and now front brakes are rubbing. At first I thought it was just the left side but as I looked closer it appears the right pads are rubbing as well. It really kinda of sucks because I had no such problem before having the new tire put on So what my next course of action here guys, I did the banjo bolt on the side but to no avail so I am afraid a brake bleed may be in line. Other then that can you guys see any reason why this would happen after a simple tire change?

[Gallaecus]

take it back and have them fix it.

[crazy steve]

They didn't align the wheel/fork correctly... The procedure is in the service manual.

[motoman]

They didn't align the wheel/fork correctly... The procedure is in the service manual.

Something so simple, even tho bike having tapered pads in front is a prime example of why these bikes should never enter a dealer/bike shop's door. Have bunches of members here that previously thought they were NOT mechanically inclined.........they are now, and know more bout these scoots than any shop OR dealer. In the future, ask here.... first, then jump in with both feet.

[natemoen]

Agreed, take it back and have them fix it. They didn't do it right.

[MaximPhil]

I am not sure I would let that dealer anywhere near my bike again.
It took me three tries following the manual to get mine to run true.
I will have to read the manual next time too but I can assure you that you can do it yourself.
Phil

[bobobaggins]

This all good news. I was a little worried that it was just due to age but I don't mind opening up the manual and getting it done right myself. I did bring it back, all they did was loosen the banjo and of it just went back to rubbing as I left so ya no better time to learn then now. Thanks for the confidence boost, it is much appreciated and the point in the right direction means I will learn to fix it the right way.
Cheers

[WMarshy]

I have a theory for you... your calipers have a bunch of crud around the piston and when the dealer changed your tire they pushed the pistons and crud into the caliper causing them to stick and drag on the disk...

It may be an alignment issue as well but just thought I would throw this idea out. When is the last time your front breaks were serviced?

[MaximPhil]

While crud in the brakes is worth looking at. The usual suspects are the spacers in the correct place. Is the speedo drive lined up properly. tightening things up to the proper torque in the correct sequence (see manual) is critical to success and in my experience even then had to be done twice to get it right. The unknown in this case is what if anything else did the dealer dummy mess with ?
Phil

[DGXSER]

Two things, both mentioned already or touched on.

First, yes, with the Special models after you tighten the axle nut, you have to push or pull the right side fork so the brake disc is centered in the slot on the fork, then tighten the pinch bolt while holding it centered. It is also important to leave the bolt itself that mounts the caliper loose enough the caliper can pivot. I always hold the brake on as I tighten the bolt and the locking nut so I know the caliper is rotated where it will be for braking when it is set. I tighten the bolt itself just barely snug, then I tighten the lock nut on top to the 18 ft-lbs as indicated.

Second, when was the last time your brake system was cleaned? It is possible that they removed the wheel, then pushed the pistons all the way back into the caliper to make mounting the wheel and getting the disc back in easier. This could as Marshy suggest have broke loose some crud or just made the seal rock forward further than usual allowing some of the gook that may be in the caliper to wedge the seal from returning.

[bobobaggins]

I never serviced the front brakes. Not yet at least, I bought the bike a year ago and am now getting on it so I really wouldn't be at all surprised if they would need to be serviced. Should I need to rebuild the system I wonder if there is an upgrade that would better suit the situation. Thanks

[DGXSER]

Because of the goofy mounting for the calipers on the Specials, there is no established upgrade for the components. The biggest and common upgrade is to Stainless Steel braided brake lines to replace the stock ones.

I would strongly suggest you clean both braking systems. Typically you do not need new components, just to open them up, and clean everything thoroughly.

[fredintoon]

Agreed, take it back and have them fix it. They didn't do it right.

Hi Nate,
yes they botched the job and yes they should fix it.
BUT
Most likely there's nobody there who knows how.
Bobobaggins had best not go back there lest they screw it up worse.

[soccer4m]

brakes

A quick check is to turn out the bleeder one side at a time and see which side is sticking. After you turn out the bleeder a few turns see if that frees up the pads, if one side or both releases after turning out the bleeder screw, then its probably time to clean the brake master cylinder asap. I had same problem and its the spooge hole and or the brake pistons crudded up, see threads, it clogs easily and causes fluid pressure and pads to drag the more its ridden. Sounds like a good cleaning is needed if the bleeders relieve the pad pressure......keep us informed........Mike in Sun DIego

[TADracer]

Check the Center Bolt too!

Check to see if the through-bolt is not bent (as they are notoriously prone to do on the specials). Remove the top nut and start unscrewing the bolt and watch the caliper. If it wiggles side to side as the bolt turns then it is bent and needs to be replaced. It is nearly impossible to get a bent one back in on the 'sweet spot'. I replace mine each time I take the caliper off and they are available at any hardware store. Nothing special about them. The new bolt sets in and will re-bend the first time you apply the brakes in a stop.