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Front Brakes pulsing
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 2:51 pm
by PeteL
My front brakes were pulsing and fading badly so have been expecting to shell out on a new set of disks. Thought I would strip the calipers first. 2 out of 6 pistons was very sticky and the pins were completely fouled with road crap. Cleaned all the pistons with toothbrush and brake fluid, cleaned and copper greased the pins, replaced the brake fluid and bled the both sides. Up and down the drive seems completely cured but not had a proper run yet.
Anyone else had this problem? Any recommendations for pads and disks If I one day have to replace them?
Cheers
Pete
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:18 pm
by tommy
Had same problem. Was advised it would be muck and brake dust in the bobbins in the disks, stoping them from floating. (Thanks Phil) Spray them with brake cleaner, tap disk with a rubber hammer, repeat a few times. Cured it completely, and was darn sight cheaper then new disks.
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:30 pm
by fastasfcuk
a common problem mate, i think we've all experianced. i had new disked fitted under warrenty at just under 3000 mls.
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:48 pm
by Okamoto
same here tommy, I do mine regular...a right good old tapping all the way round the discs with a plastic or rubber knocking stick!

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:47 pm
by Thumper
It is a common problem the Brembo pistons are a bit prone to sticking, worse case scenario is they can damage the disc by pulling it off center. After high mileage with sintered pads the standard disc can get hollow mine did, fortunately RSV and Ducati Brembo disc's are fairly easy to swap from scraped bikes and can be cost effective. I managed to buy a good pair from a Ducati with just 900 miles on them for just £100

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:11 pm
by PeteL
Thanks guys...might give the disks a tap all round too! Anyone have a comprehensive list of disks that are compatible?
Cheers
Pete
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 10:35 pm
by mangocrazy
I know that PFM used to market replacement rotors for Brembo discs - not sure if they still do. They were a lot cheaper than replacement discs + carriers, and the rotor material (IMHO) was superior to Brembos. PFM use ductile iron, which is about as good as it gets for rotor material; best used with organic rather than sintered pads, though.
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:14 am
by PeteL

just took the rear caliper off...about 1mm on the pads

even worse 5mm of brake fluid in the rear reservoir. Need to try and get a set of rear pads in sheffield today. Any ideas??
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:51 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
larger halfords?
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:29 pm
by mangocrazy
Sorry Pete, my Falco is in Stafford so can't rob it for pads...
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 7:49 pm
by PeteL
Did think about Halfords but try and avoid when possible. SMC had them but turns out I can wait for local bike store tomorrow. Wouldnt have let you rob your pads but thanks for the thought

Going for standard organic.
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 12:55 pm
by HowardQ
Pete,
Premier Bikes are now the only "local" Aprilia dealer, but not tried them yet.
They are not too far away at Askern, give them a ring on 01302 703100. They are new Aprilia dealers but should have pads in stock.
Site is -
http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/ ... rbikes.htm
There will be no chance at Halfords near us, only usually have the most common stuff and not many of them!
Failing that, it may have to be mail order via Aprilia Yorkshire or Speedaway.
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:50 pm
by PeteL
Will have a look at that place howard, Thanks.
SMC had ferodo at £16 for rear set, popped into Manhattans on Chesterfield road and got a rear set of ferodo platinum for the pricely sum of £13.86

Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:35 pm
by Falken
Pete, Another Aprilia dealer is John Carr at Alfreton, just down the M1 motorway Jct 28.
Or what about Syd Smith on the Sheffield ring road, not far from the arena.
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:59 pm
by PeteL
Yeah, thanks will consider them in future. I always seem to need stuff on a Sunday and hence limited.
Cheers
Pete