Front Brakes pulsing

Message

PeteL · #1 Post by **PeteL** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 2:51 pm

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

tommy · #2 Post by **tommy** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:18 pm

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.

fastasfcuk · #3 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:30 pm

a common problem mate, i think we've all experianced. i had new disked fitted under warrenty at just under 3000 mls.

Okamoto · #4 Post by **Okamoto** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:48 pm

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!

Thumper · #5 Post by **Thumper** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:47 pm

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

PeteL · #6 Post by **PeteL** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:11 pm

Thanks guys...might give the disks a tap all round too! Anyone have a comprehensive list of disks that are compatible?
Cheers
Pete

#7 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 10:35 pm

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.

PeteL · #8 Post by **PeteL** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:14 am

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??

Aladinsaneuk · #9 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:51 pm

larger halfords?

#10 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:29 pm

Sorry Pete, my Falco is in Stafford so can't rob it for pads...

PeteL · #11 Post by **PeteL** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 7:49 pm

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.

HowardQ · #12 Post by **HowardQ** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 12:55 pm

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.

PeteL · #13 Post by **PeteL** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:50 pm

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

Falken · #14 Post by **Falken** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:35 pm

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.

PeteL · #15 Post by **PeteL** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:59 pm

Yeah, thanks will consider them in future. I always seem to need stuff on a Sunday and hence limited.
Cheers
Pete