8 Common Issues with Motorcycle Brakes

The motorcycle brake plays a crucial role in ensuring safety while participating in traffic. However, after some time of use, the braking system may encounter issues that affect its performance. Below are common problems with motorcycle brakes and effective solutions.

1. Motorcycle brakes produce noise

When motorcycle brakes produce noise, it may be due to several reasons:

• Worn brake pads: When the brake pads are worn down, the contact surface between the brake pads and the brake disc becomes insufficiently thick, leading to noise when braking. To fix this, you need to replace the brake pads.
• Warped brake disc: A warped brake disc will cause noise when braking due to uneven contact between the brake pad and the brake disc. Replacing the brake disc is the best solution.
• Accumulation of dirt: Dirt, sand, or water on the brake disc can cause noise when braking. Regularly cleaning the brake disc will help minimize this issue.

Solutions:

• Use 500-600 grit sandpaper to clean the surface of the brake pads and brake disc, removing dirt and glaze buildup.
• Clean and disinfect the brake system with a specialized cleaning solution.
• Replace the brake pads if they are excessively worn.

2. Weak motorcycle brakes, no response when squeezing the lever

If the motorcycle brakes do not respond, it may be due to:

• Worn brake pads: Excessively worn brake pads will reduce braking performance, making it unresponsive when squeezed.
• Air in the brake system: Air in the hydraulic brake system will decrease braking efficiency. Bleeding the brake lines is an effective fix.
• Brake fluid leakage: Leaking brake fluid will reduce pressure in the braking system, causing unresponsiveness. Check and replace the brake fluid if necessary.

Solutions:

• Bleed the brake system to remove air from the lines.
• Check and replace the brake fluid if necessary to ensure adequate braking pressure.
• Replace the brake pads if they are excessively worn.
• For drum brakes, you can self-adjust by squeezing the front and rear brakes to check for wear, then adjust the brake adjuster accordingly.

3. Leaking brake fluid

Leaking brake fluid may be due to:

• Damaged brake lines: Check and replace the brake lines if there are signs of damage.
• Aging seals: Replace old seals to ensure the brake system operates smoothly.
• Master cylinder issues: Repair or replace the master cylinder if necessary.

Solutions:

• Inspect the entire brake system to locate the leak.
• Replace damaged parts such as brake lines, seals, or the master cylinder.
• Bleed the brake system after repair to ensure there is no air in the lines.

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