Feeling some pulsing from the front brakes so assume rotor(s) is warped. Bike is new to me so no history. How do I determine which one it is? Are they easy to replace for someone who typically does all their own work?

Recommendations on replacements?

 

unbolt calipers remove wheel unbolt rotors reinstall new rotors blue locktite and torque put all back together and done. Manual says to get new bolts for rotors but I was told by parts man at my dealer you don't have to just make sure you use blue locktite on them,Does one of the rotors have a bluish tint to it. If it does I'd bet thats the warped one. Bluish tint means it got hot.Also might want to check that the pistons in the brake calipers are free. If not they might be pushed out and not returning and causing heat.

 

Most likely they are both warped.

 

Check the wheel bearings while you have the wheel off.

 

Use a dial indicator and rotate the wheel on a stand or on the axle fixed in something like a vice. They do warp on occasion. I would replace both if they are warped though. They are super easy to change out. I would replace the bolts as they cheap.

 

yes easy to replace. there is a set for sale in the touring parts forum for $60
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...r-touring.html


Mine were warped bad after only 2 years of use. I purchased a like new takeoff set for a forum member for like $65.

 

new - each disc is about 135.00
41810-08B REAR BRAKE DISC
41808-08A BRAKE DISC (RIGHT) (USED WITH 40960-09)
41809-08A BRAKE DISC (LEFT) (USED WITH 40960-09)

So it is a damn good idea to find a take-off.

but, what I would do first is check to see if you can move the floats with your fingers. if you do not have vertical movement... use PB Blaster and gently move the float with a screw driver... this may very well solve your problem with pulsation.

Anyways... I do not mean to offend you, just miffed by the questions. Maybe I see user ranking and post count and often think "mechanical" aptitude.

If you do not have a manual, I can get you a copy of the few pages which address removal and replacement of the brake pads and rotors. Just shoot me an IM.

 

you can make a home made dial indicator.
vice grips and hanger
get front tire off the ground
lock handle bars so when you spin front tire, the forks dont move.
make hanger and vise grips emulate what a dial indicator would do.
you just really need something that is stationary next to rotors while rotating the wheel.

youtube has videos on how to replace rotors

 

Thanks will check all these things. I do have the manual and the aptitude. I have also seen things that look pretty easy on paper be a lot worse in reality.

Thanks for all the help

 

Replace both while you have it apart along with new pads. The process is straight forward as detailed in a previous reply. Dont forget to push your caliper pistons back in b4 remounting them back onto the new rotors