Hi there! I have a brand new Iron 883 only 130 miles. I washed the bike with a power washer and foam blaster and now ever since I’m getting this very intermittent rear brake friction noise when rear brakes are applied. It is more prominent in performing slow maneuver turns with using the rear brake for control or moderate pressure on straight line stops. I took the pads out and cleaned them up and used some brake cleaner on the pistons to see if any water caused any rust build up. It seemed to help a little but still occurring. It’s pretty rough and can almost feel it thru the entire bike. As soon as you release the rear brake lever noise stops immediately.

 

Power wash with foam blaster was a BAD IDEA. How dirty could it get after 130 miles???? The brake pads slide in and out on the pad pins each time you apply the brakes. Pull the pad pins out 1 at a time and clean them with emery paper and light oil.I've been riding and wrenching for over 50 years and NEVER POWER WASH my motorcycles.

 

Thanks for the reply. I know now it was a rookie mistake and combine that with my ocd to keep it clean and watching some people on YouTube power washing their bikes.

My model only for the rear only has one center pad pin, I’ll pull it back out and apply some oil grease. Any particular grease to use?

 

Power wash? No bueno.

It's a brand new bike? I presume you have a warranty? Take it the dealer. That's part of what you paid for when you bought new.

Buy yourself a real Factory Service Manual while you're at the dealer having the brakes checked. It's better than a warranty in the long run.

John

 

If you do decide to take it back to the dealership, don't tell them that you power washed it or they might not honour the warranty. If they ask about water ingression, just tell them that you were caught in a tropical storm, I believe you have lots of those in Florida.

Power washers cause all kinds of damage to motorcycle components, the water ingresses into the electrical system, wheel, steering and swinging arm bearings, brakes, gaskets, paintwork, etc.

Power washers are ok for cars because they are mostly covered with metal panels, unlike motorcycles cars don't have most of their components exposed to the elements and the dangers of a power washer.

 

Thanks for all the tips! I will grease up the slide pin and noise continues will bring to dealer.

This is where I thought it was ok to power wash and foam blast like I do my car.