Front wheel drag..Too much?

zman · Aug 1, 2013

Just wondering what kind of drag you all get from the pads. I get a full rotation fron my front wheel when it`s off the ground, If I push in on the calipers by had and release some more I can get several rotation ., Seems to me my other bikes had more of a full release, It has a new master cylinder..New pads and calipers seem to brake well otherwise, Is this typical drag on the GL?
Thanks.

Steve83 · Aug 1, 2013

That sounds alright to me. The front wheels are pretty lightweight, so not much momentum. If the calipers weren't releasing, you would barely be able to turn the wheel.

zman · Aug 1, 2013

Sounds good, Thanks.

82a · Aug 2, 2013

i'd dismantle clean, inspect, replace (as required) then lube the moving brake parts if unknown when/if last done, finally a flush and bleed

you could also do a short scoot just using the rear brake, then when you stop, feel the front discs for any excess heat

a sticking problem of concern will manifest with excess heat, could develop a noise and or unusual new smell, even a fire

you can also usually tell when you let of the gas if there is a new problem in that there can be a diff in deceleration, if the brakes hang

zman · Aug 2, 2013

Thanks for the advice 82A, I did check for heat after a short spin and it was fairly warm not hot but that is after using the front brakes too.
It seems marginal as far as drag and was really on the fence about it , I went ahead and purchased the parts to rebuild, Least this way I know what I have to begin with.
Thanks Steve and 82A.

mcgovern61 · Aug 6, 2013

When you stop initially, the front calipers tend to stay tight to the pads. You will notice this right after you stop by trying to roll the bike after a stop; you might notice the bike does not roll easy at first. As soon as you get going (and the rotors are spinning) the calipers should release pretty quick.

Try a stop with the rear brake only and see if it still sticks (drags). If the front pads are still dragging the calipers need cleaning and/or rebuilding.

An easy thing to check is to pull the bolts on the calipers and see how easy they are sliding in and out. It could also be that the slide pin on the bolt is dirty or not lubricated. This will prevent the caliper from releasing properly.