Signs Your Motorcycle Brakes Need Service
Motorcycles · · TT Sport Garage, Carol Stream
Spongy lever, squealing, pulsing or a long stopping distance? How to tell your motorcycle brakes need pads, rotors or fresh fluid.
Brakes wear gradually, so the change is easy to miss. These are the signs that it is time for brake service.
A soft or spongy lever
If the lever or pedal travels farther than it used to, or feels soft, there may be air or moisture in the fluid. A brake fluid service usually fixes it.
Squealing or grinding
Squealing can mean glazed or worn pads. Grinding usually means the pads are down to the backing plate and are damaging the rotor — stop riding and get it checked.
Pulsing when you brake
A pulsing lever often points to a warped or unevenly worn rotor.
The bike pulls or drags
A sticking caliper can make the bike drag, heat up the wheel and wear pads quickly. Cleaning and rebuilding the caliper is often all it takes.
How often to check
Look at pad thickness at every oil change and replace brake fluid about every two years, or as your manufacturer recommends. If something feels different, call us at (630) 310-4400.