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XL1200C rear brake noise

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by woodsman1031, Jul 6, 2013.

  1. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    Hey guys I just bought the 2008 Sportster, and I have noticed that the rear brakes make a noise just rolling with the motor off. It sounds like car brakes with pads worn down and it is intermittant

    I bought some new pads and I have noticed after seeing the new pads that the existing pads have a ton of life on them. Is this a common thing for Harley or is there something else I can look at?

    Also can someone tell me what size the torx bolt is that holds the front brake caliper on?

    Thanks
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2013
    woodsman1031, Jul 6, 2013
    #1
  3. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Wood men's the brakes sounds like its draging some might try to bleed it on the tq I would try a 10 & go from there until you can get a service manual
    cowboy, Jul 6, 2013
    #2
  4. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    Thanks Cowboy,

    What is the TQ ? And is there a technique on bleeding a Harley? I have bled a few cars brakes.

    Thanks
    woodsman1031, Jul 6, 2013
    #3
  5. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    Basically the same way to bleed. I use a clear plastic hose and hook it to the bleeder valve on the caliper and run the other end into a jar on the floor with fluid already in it.

    If the brake squeal is intermittant, it could be a warped rotor. I've been told that caliper pads usually drag a very small amount anyway - at least mine do on the shovel.
    joshbob, Jul 7, 2013
    #4
  6. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    I think you are right about the rotor possibly being warped. I am going to get my son to push it slowly and I will walk behind and look at it.

    Thanks
    woodsman1031, Jul 7, 2013
    #5
  7. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    Just prop up the rear of the bike with a scissor jack so you can spin the rear wheel. Hold something lightly against the rotor and check if the drag or gap varies. If it does getting it resurface will be much cheaper than replacing it. 'Doubt that it's air in the line.
    charlie46, Jul 7, 2013
    #6
  8. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    Ok good idea........thanks!
    woodsman1031, Jul 7, 2013
    #7
  9. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Could also be that the wheel is out of true (warped from a big hit) - but I sure hope not.
    Red Rider, Jul 7, 2013
    #8
  10. bambidee

    bambidee Active Member

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    most oem harley pads are a sintered bronze compound material. they can sound rather agressive but are relatively clean on the wheels. as mentioned by other members check your rotor for runnout and make sure the hardware is ok. does the noise sound like a constant scuff and go away when the brake is applied?
    bambidee, Jul 7, 2013
    #9
  11. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    It is intermittant and stops when the brake is applied
    woodsman1031, Jul 7, 2013
    #10
  12. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Tq is the torx , 08 sporty , I think has the solid rear wheel doubt it out of round or worped , went out & rolled our 04 sporty & it makes a rubbing noise from factory brake pads
    cowboy, Jul 7, 2013
    #11
  13. woodsman1031

    woodsman1031 New Member

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    I am glad to hear that. I am not going to sweat it. I rode it earlier and it stops great ! Yes it has the solid alloy wheel.

    Thank you everyone for the input.
    woodsman1031, Jul 7, 2013
    #12
  14. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    no problem woodsmen , glad we could help ya out , :D
    cowboy, Jul 7, 2013
    #13

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