Common Motorcycle Brake Problems and Their Solutions

Brakes are extremely important auto parts for any bike. And a motorcycle brake does not always remain in the same condition; its quality, characteristics, and performance change over time and eventually need to be replaced. Temperature, riding style, duration of use, and the reactions of various interconnected auto parts all affect a motorcycle brake. When getting service, we often hastily decide to replace brakes or liners just by hearing a few words from the mechanic or engineer. Like the price of a motorcycle, the price of brakes or liners is not low either. However, there are some problems with motorcycle brakes that can be solved by simply adjusting or repairing a few things. Let's look at the reasons for poor motorcycle brake performance, some basic problems, their causes, and solutions.

Reasons for Poor Motorcycle Brake Performance and Solutions

1. Motorcycle Brake Fade

Sometimes, after prolonged use, a motorcycle brake fails to hold the wheel; this phenomenon is called brake fade. Brake performance changes depending on temperature. When the temperature increases due to long-term use, the friction reaction of the motorcycle brake is disrupted.

Brake Fade: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• If motorcycle brakes are applied intensely and repeatedly, the temperature increases, causing brake drums to expand, or the friction reaction of the brake lining is disrupted, or both occur simultaneously. In such cases, brake fade can happen.

Solution:

If this occurs, reduce the motorcycle's speed/load and ride in a lower gear. Once the brake lining or drum cools down a bit, the brake fade will completely disappear, and the motorcycle brake's performance will return to its original state.

• The same problem can occur if the brake fluid is too old.

Solution:

Regular motorcycle maintenance. Replace old fluid with new fluid of the correct specification.

• Brake fade can also occur if the connection between the brake lining and drum is disconnected or deteriorated.

Solution:

Brake shoes must be seated properly and/or ground to the correct diameter.

• Many of us have the bad habit of riding with our foot on the brake pedal. This puts excessive pressure on the brakes, causing the temperature to rise rapidly and leading to brake fade.

Solution:

Never ride with your foot on the brake pedal. Also, do not keep the brake lever pressed unnecessarily.

2. Motorcycle Brake Binding

In some situations, the motorcycle brake liner gets stuck to the brake drum in such a way that the brake remains active constantly, even without pressure on the brake lever or pedal. This phenomenon is called brake binding or dragging.

Brake Binding: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• In most cases, brake binding occurs due to faulty springs. The spring responsible for returning the motorcycle brake shoe or pedal to its original position sometimes weakens or breaks.

Solution:

If this happens, replacing the spring is the only solution.

• The same problem can occur if the brake shoe gets stuck on the anchor pin.

Solution:

Using proper lubrication on the anchor pin can prevent brake binding.

• In the case of disc brakes, brake binding can occur if there is excessive fluid in the motorcycle brake fluid tank.

Solution:

When maintaining the motorcycle, the brake fluid level should be corrected and kept at the right amount.

3. Motorcycle Brake Overheating

For the same reasons that cause brake binding, motorcycle brakes can also overheat. Excessive temperature disrupts the friction reaction and increases binding.

Overheating: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• In addition to the various reasons mentioned above, in many cases, if the motorcycle brake is held down for a long time while descending a steep road, it can overheat. In the case of disc brakes, besides the reasons above, the piston inside the caliper can get stuck.

Solution:

If this happens, the caliper needs to be re-bored and the piston replaced.

4. Noisy Motorcycle Brake Vibration

In this situation, a continuous sound and vibration are felt from the motorcycle brake.

Continuous Sound and Vibration: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• This problem can occur if the motorcycle brake adjustment is not done correctly. Also, if the brake lining connections become loose, noisy vibration can occur.

Solution:

If such vibration and sound occur, the motorcycle brake adjustment must be done correctly. The brake lining needs to be reconnected. In most cases, the lining itself needs to be replaced.

5. Motorcycle Brake Sticking/Grabbing

When a motorcycle brake gets stuck in the same position or shows a tendency to get stuck, it is called brake grabbing.

Brake Grabbing: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• In the case of drum brakes, motorcycle brakes can often get stuck due to greasy linings. Sometimes mechanics attach brake linings to the brakes without thoroughly cleaning them. As a result, the motorcycle brake can get stuck after some use.

Solution:

Ensure the brake lining is thoroughly cleaned during motorcycle maintenance.

• Brake grabbing can occur if there is an error in the brake shoe adjustment. Even if dust and dirt get inside during this adjustment, the same problem can occur.

Solution:

The brake shoes must be readjusted and cleaned.

• Brake grabbing can also occur if the brake drum becomes rough due to friction.

Solution:

The brake drum must be ground to the correct size.

• If motorcycle brake shoes are mistakenly installed in the wrong place, brake grabbing also occurs. This problem arises if the primary and secondary shoe positions are swapped during motorcycle maintenance.

Solution:

If the motorcycle brake shoes are installed correctly in their respective places, grabbing will disappear.

6. Excessive Loss of Motorcycle Brake Fluid

As the name suggests, this problem can occur if brake oil leaks from the disc brake system. This brake fluid can leak from various connection points or joints of the motorcycle brake, banjo bolts, caliper side, plunger arrangement, or even from the oil tank. Excessive loss of brake fluid is also a reason for poor motorcycle brake performance. If this situation is not controlled, maintenance costs for damage will increase significantly.

Lack of Brake Fluid: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• The largest amount of fluid leaks occur from the brake oil tank and caliper.

Solution:

These parts must be thoroughly inspected during motorcycle maintenance and repaired or replaced as necessary.

• If the connections of various joints are loose, a significant amount of brake fluid can often leak from those joints.

Solution:

The connecting pipes or hoses should be checked periodically for any wear. Worn hoses should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent excessive brake fluid loss.

7. Air Entering the Brake Line

This problem can arise due to a lack of caution during disc brake adjustment. We all know that disc brakes use a type of incompressible motorcycle brake oil, which connects the brake lever and caliper piston to work together. Therefore, the density of this oil must be high. Now, if even a little air mistakenly enters the brake line, the braking performance is disrupted. This is because air is compressible. When braking, air bubbles compress under fluid pressure, reducing the braking response.

Air in Brake Line: Causes and Solutions for Poor Brake Performance

• The only reason for air entering the brake line is a leak somewhere. If a leak occurs in the fluid tank or caliper, air enters the braking system. If any connection is loose, air bubbles can also form there.

Solution:

The entire brake line and all connections must be thoroughly inspected to identify where leaks are occurring, and these must be properly repaired or replaced. No loose connections should be allowed. The safest way to remove air bubbles is to carefully bleed the brake oil; and this delicate task is best performed by experienced personnel at a good auto parts and service station.

Conclusion

The problems mentioned above are primarily the reasons for poor motorcycle brake performance. We hope this report will help you maintain your motorcycle correctly and stay safe. If you ever face problems with your motorcycle brakes again, don't panic. We hope you will be able to make the right decision calmly. Happy riding!

Frequently Asked Questions by Customers

How does a motorcycle brake fail?

Brake failure can occur due to various reasons such as overheating due to lack of lubrication, brake binding, grabbing, leaks, etc. However, to understand if it's a brake failure or fade, first, don't panic; reduce speed and gear, and allow the motorcycle brake drum and lining to cool down.

What can happen if hard brakes are applied too forcefully?

If hard brakes are applied too forcefully, the front wheel can lock up, causing the bike to skid and an accident to occur. Immediately release the brake lever. Never hold the brake lever pressed for too long while riding.