5th-gen VFR Brake Vibrations ?

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Brantley, Jul 22, 2009.

  1. Brantley

    Brantley New Member

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    Occasionally when I am applying slight rear brake at low speeds, (5mph or so) like pulling up to a stop sign. I get some really wicked vibrations in the front forks!! I'm sure it is something with the LBS, but I'm not sure where to look first. Has anyone encountered this type of problem before? Any tips? :confused:
     
  2. maddog

    maddog New Member

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    First, do you have a service manual for the bike? If not, get one. Read it.

    If you're unfamiliar or unsure of your mechanical ability, get a knowledgeable person to handle the issue. Brakes are critical for safety, and not a system to take lightly.

    There are a number of things which could be causing this problem. Some of them might be:

    Badly worn or warped rotors

    Uneven or badly worn pads

    Rotors not floating on carriers due to contaminants (dirt, brake dust, etc...)

    Dirty calipers, pistons, seals

    Pad pins which are in need of cleaning/polishing/lube

    Secondary master cylinder pivot point needing clean/lube

    Be sure to inspect rear brake pads, caliper and rotor

    Check for any loose fasteners

    Might even be front wheel bearings

    Hope you find and fix whatever is causing the problem. If you need help, ask for it, even if that means taking it to a shop. Brakes are too important to dismiss a problem or settle for anything less than excellent.
     
  3. Parna

    Parna New Member

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    Hi,

    This is the most similar issue to one that I have, except that the vibrations are at the rear end.
    At low speeds when I press the rear brake in the first moment I feel vibrations on the rear wheel or brake, I’m not sure and then are gone.
    The brake fluid is ok, and the brake pads also seams fine.
    This is not a case when I use a front brake.

    Thank you for all comments.
     
  4. fastrax203

    fastrax203 New Member

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    I'm having the same kind of issue on my '98. My bike has Galfer full floating petal rotors on the front that are about 2 years old but with only 2k miles on them. I doubt it's the rotors but I only feel it when I clamp down with moderate pressure on the front brakes. I haven't ridden it much as I just got it yesterday but I didn't notice it until this morning when I took it for a longer higher speed ride.
     
  5. roughseas

    roughseas New Member

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    Same on my '98. Get lots of judder from the front end when using the front brake. Just bought the bike a couple of days back so haven't got down to fault finding yet.
     
  6. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Considering the initial posts go back to 2009 and 2011, and nothing was ever resolved, I'm sure those riders just continued to ride and ultimately met their demise. Problem solved. :)

    OK, on a more serious note: Vibrating brakes are never a good sign. Check it out, and quick. Are the brakes hanging up? Can you put it on a center stand, spin the front wheel and see how it moves? Is the rotor warped? Easiest thing to do is to always start with a visual inspection.

    Not sure about this - but how is the front suspension? Is it taking a huge dive, creating huge amounts of pressure on the front wheel in general?

    I wouldn't mess around with brakes - at least not my front brake. Who needs rears...
     
  7. roughseas

    roughseas New Member

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    Thanks Pliskin. The wheels turn freely but the right rotor looks like it has been resurfaced and is a bit thinner than the left one, no grooves though. Will do a proper check in a few days as leaving town to visit the missus's parents :frusty:

    I have a feeling that It might be the bearings. Going to remove the rotors anyway to paint the wheels so it might be a good time to change the wheel bearings. How hard are the steering seats to remove on the VFR?
     
  8. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    I'm no where near qualified to answer that for you. Most monkeys have more mechanical ability than I do. But while your off gallivanting and having a dandy time with the in-laws, I'm sure someone will come along with an answer.

    Interesting - you can actually tell by eye-balling that one rotor is thinner than the other? I don't doubt you, but with such strict tolerances on these parts, that must be a huge difference. Me personally? I'd want my rotors the same size, and would use this an an opportunity to replace or upgrade.
     
  9. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Steering stem bearing races pop right out with a hammer and punch. Gravey
     
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