Brake question

[Johnnieye]

I have an 03 Bulldog. I noticed that the chrome was worn off on the rear rotor. I took the caliper off to check the brakes. Still have an 1/8 th inch pad left. Noticed the rotor has two very slight bumps on it, that I can only feel with my finger,these run all the way around the rotor. Does this sound like I need a new rotor? I have read all the threads on this, but still scratchin my head. Thanks SORRY I POSTED THIS TWICE

 

[standuprick]

I really doubt your rotor is chrome. Thats only for show bikes. Chrome wouldnt last long on the rotor where the brake pads ride. Plus, its not good for stopping. Slight ridges on a rotor are fine. If its not warped your fine. When you put new pads on it they will form to the existing rotor.

 

[woodbutcher]

just be careful until the new pads are seated to the rotors. until then, you won't have as much surface area in contact with the pads.

 

[HMAN]

The rotor should be stamped with a minimum thickness. Put a micrometer to them and see where you are.

 

[Mad Dog]

The rotor should be stamped with a minimum thickness. Put a micrometer to them and see where you are.

X2
Anytime you replace pads you should mic the rotors.
The pistons in the caliper were only designed to travel so far.

 

[standuprick]

In all the years and bikes I have had. Never had a rotor wear down to the point it wasnt good. Ive warped plenty from riding the rear brake doing wheelies. You can mic the rotor but if its close to the minimum I wouldnt worry about it. Warpage is a bigger concern or groves from not replacing pads before metal rubs against metal.

 

[Tom Chop]

Rotor Wear/Grooving?

I`m with standuprick; never have I worn a rotor past the recommended thick/thinness. In normal wear situations the rotor when thin will warp from lack of mass. Simply stated the part cannot hold enough heat to allow it enough resistance to air cool slowly and avoid warping. This holds true on all bikes, cars, and trucks equipped with disc brakes. The engineering done on these brake parts is substantial and quite thorough to be sure.
Now to address grooves cut into the surface of the rotor. IMHO unless a disc pad has seperated and come loose there is NO excuse for grooves to be cut into a rotor. The action of changing out a set of disc pads is too easy and inexpensive to perform for any warping or grooves, except as I said - in case of emergencies.


Tom Chop

 

[woodbutcher]

I`m with standuprick; never have I worn a rotor past the recommended thick/thinness. In normal wear situations the rotor when thin will warp from lack of mass. Simply stated the part cannot hold enough heat to allow it enough resistance to air cool slowly and avoid warping. This holds true on all bikes, cars, and trucks equipped with disc brakes. The engineering done on these brake parts is substantial and quite thorough to be sure.
Now to address grooves cut into the surface of the rotor. IMHO unless a disc pad has seperated and come loose there is NO excuse for grooves to be cut into a rotor. The action of changing out a set of disc pads is too easy and inexpensive to perform for any warping or grooves, except as I said - in case of emergencies.


Tom Chop

there is always the possibility of a piece of gravel lodging between the disc and the pads thus scoring the disc. slim chance but it is possible. would probably lock up the brake and send you flying.

 

[Johnnieye]

Thanks for all the replies. I checked the rotors and they are fine. I ended up rebuilding the calipers with new seals and put Lyndall Z-Pads on. My front always sounded like crickets chirping when I applied the brake, now they squeal a bit. Hoping that goes away once they wear in a little. Thanks again for the help.