Front brakes binding

[Spademac]

Hi all. I have a 2013 plate with only 10500 miles on it ! Last MOT it failed on binding front brakes, I just had this years MOT done and again it failed on same thing. I have stripped, removed, cleaned etc etc both front calipers fully, including retaining clips and springs. The brakes work great but still won't fully release, binding all the time. When I raise the front wheel I am unable to rotate it freely although it obviously still does turn. I have bled the system fully and am now starting to scratch my head....any one else had similar problems and if so any pointers as to remedy? I'm already on 2nd set of pads and to be fair don't really use the brakes that much....

[CT_Ron]

By binding, do you mean you have to use force to rotate the wheel?

Because what I have, is that when I spin the wheel or push the bike out of the garage, I hear it slide and squeek a bit past the discs, but my guess is rather that my discs are warped. Maybe yours are too? Mine is from 2014 and has 104K on them and they are still the original ones. The owner before me did a lot of highway riding with it (89K in 5 years), so the brakes aren't used thát often. I haven't had the chance to measure the disc thickness yet. My pads are worn out though, after 4K.

I have bled and refilled the brake fluid last August. I'm not sure if I fully bled the CBS line tough. One cilinder up front is operated via the foot brake, maybe that's the culprit.

[Spademac]

Thanks Ron....yeah, I have to use force but not excessive to rotate the wheel. It won't spin freely! I can still push it out the garage but it is a moderate struggle....the disks (rotars ?) are fine and no sign of wear. It's on its 2nd set of pads after only 8500 miles. I have had it checked by honda main dealer,  they say its fine but I have my doubts. My concern is that when free wheeling next to another CT the other rolls on much further...its as if my brakes are engaged all the time. The main dealer did both front calipers and rear one too......I was aware of of the centre pot on front left being activated by rear brake so have fully cleaned that piston as well........still they bind......its got me stumped..aarrggg

[CT_Ron]

I just picked up my front tyre and will install it in the next hour. I'll make a video of me spinning it, so we can compare. I'm curious if mine is just as bad, or if the light rubbing and squeeking that I hear, is something else.

[Spademac]

Great stuff, I will be good to compare...I'll try and post video as well.
Unfortunately it probably won't be until tomorrow...work is a bugger and I start shortly....need the cash to fuel the beast..😜😜
Look forward to your video..cheers

[bazza950]

when my 9500 mile old bike was delivered i had a hell of a job "reversing" it into my garage due to a sticky back brake.Over the winter i stripped out both parking brake (DCT)  and  usual brake.It didnt work so the 3rd time I took out the pistons and it doesnt stick now! They looked clean but had a gentle rub with scotbrite ,new fluid and re-assemble. I bought a Sealey piston removal tool (£18 from Demon Tweaks but same as on e bay from £16-£26 ) but the closed position was still too wide to fit inside the piston.I used pliers opened gently inside and that worked ,so dont waste your money on that tool

[CT_Ron]

Originally Posted by Spademac

Great stuff, I will be good to compare...I'll try and post video as well.
Unfortunately it probably won't be until tomorrow...work is a bugger and I start shortly....need the cash to fuel the beast..😜😜
Look forward to your video..cheers

video now dead

The back definitely spins more freely than the front. Camera is having dificulty recording, so don't mind the frame rate.

Tommorow, I'll be going for a spin and head into the Sauerland region of Germany and rub in the new Anakee Adventures. I took a week off to get all sorts of jobs done around the house  We'll see if the brake pads hold up. I cleaned them but they look crumbled and rusted. New ones will arrive beginning of next week.

I had a strange knocking when I reattached the front wheel. It's always a hassle to put the axle back in, torque it 50%, move the bike around to let the forks settle in, and than tighten it. As soon as I pinch the axle bolts, the knocking of the disc against the pads starts. I loosened and tightened the bolts a few time, now it seems to be gone.

My front disc discs were at 4mm, right in the middle of new and the service limit. Back was 5.5mm (4.5 service limit) so they are good to go. Probably warped too much, but good enough for now.

[bazza950]

back wheel is easier as you can put the bike on centre stand and run it.I found after about 2 minutes my disc was getting warm-without using the brake - so obvious it was rubbing.As it wasn't localised it wasnt going to be a warped disc.
I know it's possible to get an electric roller that will turn the wheel-front needed.Once you can get it turning you can check disc true-ness and see which side is sticking.But its not a tool that most people would have .Could make life easier though!