Ultra Classic brake problem
#1
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Ultra Classic brake problem
I have a 2008 Ultra Classic and have developed a front brake problem. In just the last week, it appears that there's some amount of pressure being applied to the front brakes automatically. When I lift the front wheel up and try to spin it by hand, I can feel the resistance from the brakes. Not sure if it's one side or both. Also, the brake lights are illuminated without my having to apply the brakes and the cruise control won't activate...presumably because it thinks the brakes are being applied.
I'm not sure where to start looking. Is this a hydraulic problem? Electrical? Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not an accomplished mechanic, but have some basic skills. I thought I'd try to troubleshoot it myself before spending the $$ at the shop...at least enough to determine whether it's out of my skill level.
I'm not sure where to start looking. Is this a hydraulic problem? Electrical? Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not an accomplished mechanic, but have some basic skills. I thought I'd try to troubleshoot it myself before spending the $$ at the shop...at least enough to determine whether it's out of my skill level.
#4
Seasoned HDF Member
#5
If the master cylender is not releasing it will leave pressure on the lines.
Crack the bleader open at the caliper and see if it releases. If the caliper is stuck the pressure should not be there.
Also the brake light SW has nothing to do withthe pressure. It is activated by the lever on the handlebars.
After saying this and re-reading what you said, I wonder if you have done anything recently to the Handlebar controls. If so it is problbly the Brake Light Switch.
As hover stated earlier " I would check the brake light switch 1st. it is normal for the wheels to have some drag on them from the brake rotors. "
Crack the bleader open at the caliper and see if it releases. If the caliper is stuck the pressure should not be there.
Also the brake light SW has nothing to do withthe pressure. It is activated by the lever on the handlebars.
After saying this and re-reading what you said, I wonder if you have done anything recently to the Handlebar controls. If so it is problbly the Brake Light Switch.
As hover stated earlier " I would check the brake light switch 1st. it is normal for the wheels to have some drag on them from the brake rotors. "
#6
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Hey, thanks for all the good suggestions. These are definitely worth checking out. I had just returned from a 2300 mile trip and was cleaning/checking the bike over when I discovered the problem. It's possible that I got some water into the handlebar switch housing when washing the bike, so I'll check that out first. It seems to make sense since sticky calipers wouldn't account for the always-on brake lights. But I'll also check out the calipers.
#7
Ultimate HDF Member
One of your Brake Light switches is probally bad. As for the brakes dragging it is normal to have some drag on all disk brakes. If you had a caliper sticking you could see it in the rotors and the amount of heat the brake is putting out. If you had the front brake lever off I would go there first.
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#8
Elite HDF Member