Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Brake Rotors
Your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is built for durability and reliability. The braking system on these vehicles is designed with this in mind, with parts made of stainless steel or with a chrome finish. Understanding the various components of the motorcycles braking system will allow you to select the replacement parts necessary to give you the peace of mind of knowing you are safe when driving.
What components make up the Harley-Davidson disc braking system?The braking system on a Harley-Davidson bike is complex and has many different components. The main parts of this system and their function within the disc braking system are as follows.
- Master cylinder: The master cylinder is responsible for pressurizing the brake fluid and sending it to the braking system components attached at the wheel.
- Caliper: These parts contain pistons that are pressed outward when the fluid reaches these components.
- Brake pads: These parts contain materials that create a friction when making contact with the surface of the rotor. This friction is what slows or stops the bike.
- Rotors: The rotors, also known as discs, attach to the wheel, ensuring that when the braking system is engaged, the vehicle will slow down as needed. This slows the wheel and brings the bike to a stop.
- Brake pedal or lever: The pedal or lever is the control that the driver utilizes to place pressure on to control the speed and movement of the bike.
These parts contain a material made from either ceramic, metal, or organic products, which allows a friction to build up when pressed against the rotor surface. Each time braking occurs, these materials are worn away. It is recommended that these braking system parts have a thickness of a quarter of an inch or more to provide adequate stopping capabilities. If these components are less than a quarter of an inch in thickness, you should have them changed. Here are some other signs that should warn you to have these parts serviced.
- Grinding noise when the braking system is utilized
- More pressure necessary for stopping the vehicle
- Bumping or dragging feel as the braking lever or pedal is pressed
There are different designs of brake rotors that can be installed on the braking system of a Harley-Davidson bike. This includes the drilled rotor, which features holes in a specific pattern along the surface of the disc. The drilled rotors allow for the gases that are created when braking occurs.
When should the master cylinder be replaced?When the master cylinder fails to work properly within a braking system, this can cause the brakes to fail and not work as they were designed to do. If you notice a mushy or spongy feel when applying the brakes, this may mean the master cylinder is beginning to wear out. Constantly needing to refill the brake fluid is another common symptom of a master cylinder that needs to be replaced.
What is a floating caliper setup?Stationary options are designed to mount to one specific location around the wheel of the bike. Floating options are different. These braking system parts are designed to sit on pins that allow for side-to-side movement along the rotor.