Front Wheel Issues

Message

Duane · #1 Unread post by **Duane** » Mon May 14, 2007 2:11 pm

Hi gang, hoping someone maybe able to offer some ideas on what this could be. I recently picked up a new 20006 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic and about a week ago the front brake started squeaking a bit. I've had this happen with my cars and figured its just new pads.

Well heres the issue, the squeaking is getting louder and on my way home from work this afternoon when I accelerate the front wheel/handles bars vibrate, not much but enough to notice that it wasn't normal. When going down a hill I held in the clutch and I heard a whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, sound. I should also note that the squeaking happens most of the time but not all of the time.

I'll be calling the dealership and talking to their service department tomorrow and I was hoping to go into that conversation with an idea of what it could possibility be.

I'm guessing it could be the brakes but I don't know much about this stuff, any ideas?

Damian · #2 Unread post by **Damian** » Mon May 14, 2007 4:44 pm

I'm new to the bike-thing, but if it were a car, my first guess would be warped rotors. Does it vibrate bad under hard front-braking?

At any rate, it sounds like something that should definitely be covered under most warranties.

Post back with what the problem was, I'm curious.

Johnj · #3 Unread post by **Johnj** » Mon May 14, 2007 4:51 pm

Sounds to me like the brake calipers arn't releasing. Get the front wheel off the ground and spin it to locate the squeek.

BuzZz · #4 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Mon May 14, 2007 6:20 pm

.... or..... your pads are hanging up on the slider pins in the caliper. Which would require only removal of the pins, some corrosion removal with some emery cloth performed upon those pins, and reassembly with some good waterproof grease on those very same pins.....

..... could be, anyways.....

Duane · #5 Unread post by **Duane** » Tue May 15, 2007 4:07 pm

Thanks for the tips guys!

So I spoke with the service department at the dealership, he recommened I check my tire pressure and give my front wheel a good scrub down with soap and water. He said that shaking/vibration is 9 times out of 10 low tire pressure and the noisy brakes is generally from dirt and dust.

Front tire was at 27psi so I bumped that up to 33 and the back tire was at 30psi and I bumped that up to 36. Still squeaks a bit but nothing like it was and the shaking still happens but only a very little while accelerating up hill. After todays 2 hour ride, I'm pretty sure this has something to do with weight being on the back more while going up hill.

So how often do you guys check your tire pressure? Everyday? Once a week? Or just when things "don't feel right"?