I just completed a handlebar install on by 2005 Road King and the left front caliper was a bear to get back into position - it was pretty tight and I had to carefully tap it into place with a rubber mallet (the right one went on fine). I haven't run the bike yet, but have moved it inside my garage...It moves fine, but I've noticed a whine/squeal coming from the front brakes while I'm moving the bike in neutral without engaging the brake lever. Does this seem normal? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

You may of contaminated the brake pads with foreign material like grease. If they continue to make same noise,pull caliper again and clean pads with Brake Clean.If you don't compress the caliper piston back into its bore,sometimes its hard to remount over brake disc and taking a chance of damaging pad lining.

 

It does not sound normal. Pull the caliper back off and check your pucks. Sounds like one or both is stuck in place. Good luck

 

Just curious why you had to remove the calipers during a handlebar install? I’ve always installed brake lines with the calipers mounted.

 

Good point...I guess I think of the few projects I did recently as one loooong project. I pulled the calipers off when I swapped out my front wheel.

 

I just rebuild my front calipers last weekend because the pads would not move smoothly when I tried to open them up for the new rotors. Pistons looked good but caked lube, over time, caused the sticking. Wiped up real nice and installed new rubber orings and square rings and lubed with piston lube which was included. All good now so I recommend checking the pistons ability to move freely while you’re still on this project.