Rear brake pads fell out while riding!

[ChopperJeff]

This is certainly a new one for me.

Was riding to work when I noticed my rear brake didn't feel right. Moments later the bike became VERY squirmy, and I figured I had a flat. In pulling off the freeway and looking at the back tire, I noticed it was flat as a pancake. Not a problem, as I always carry a plug kit and an air pump, However, I then noticed that the valve stem was sheared in half!

After having it towed home, I removed the rear wheel and then realized what had happened. My brake pads were gone, along with the pin that hold them in. It would seem that the pin came out or broke, and when the parts fell out, they hit the valve stem causing it to break.

Has this type of thing ever happened to anybody else? Over the years I've probably got a total of over 100,000 miles of riding under my belt, and have NEVER had a braked caliper lose its guts.

 

[Raywood]

Wow, glad you're okay.

I've never heard of this happening before but would be a good reason for all of us to check those pins for rust and stuff.

That must have blown pretty fast! I don't want to think of my blow out last year.

 

[ChopperJeff]

Yeah, fortunately I was slowing down for traffic on the road, and by the time the tire went flat, I was almost at a standstill. Was tricky though keeping the thing upright.

 

[PROFLYER]

WOAH! Never heard of such a thing, but now I'm gonna be sure to check it when I'm polishing tonight!

 

[Staffy]

WOW!!!! Not sure you realize how lucky you are - and I'm NOT joking. Never seen that happen. What can and may happen (as in Al's case) a loose bolt, bracket, etc. (so always do a check from time-to-time and depending on your riding habits) but a broken pin!!!! What the hell is that....:angry: :angry: it just doesn't sound right, but it is what it is.
Someone is looking out for you - good luck, ride safe and happy fixing.

PS. I think Nelson became a dealer for some hot brake pads - give him a shout.

 

[lee]

yeah I'm glad you're ok too - could have been a bit messy. I thought this happened to someone else on here a while back - could be wrong.

 

[Vegas]

That pin should probably be replaced periodically. Every two pad changes or so.

 

[ChopperJeff]

Yeah, I'll definitely a closer eye on those dang pins from now on!

Good thing it didn't happen during a ride I just did last weekend. We got a bit aggressive at times and hit over 100 MPH!

 

[Throttle Jockey]

You must have broke both pins. My old shvelhead would do that ever so often. Usually though one pin would break. If it were the rear pin it wasn't problem. Front pin and it can hang up. Most likely you have been riding with the front pin broke for a while. Then the back pin broke. Keep an eye on the pins and check your bushing on the bracket that holds your brake cylender on. If it gets worn it will let your pins ride on the rotor and cut grooves into them.

Seen this happen plenty times but not on the dogs. PM brakes are and always have been very good quality.

TJ

 

[Moespeeds]

Happened to my buddy doing about 150 mph going into turn 1 at Virginia International Raceway. His left leg is now like an inch shorter than the right. His mechanic left the pins out though (by accident) and they had removed the safety springs because he claimed "it improves brake feel". Oh and he had disconnected the rear brake because the bent lever was snagging on his boot. His wife made him quit racing after that, so he took up bull riding! Hell, I never heard of the cotter pins breaking though, is there any stress on that pin? It seems like the springs pretty much do the job of holding the pads in place?

 

[ChopperJeff]

Yeah, I'm quite baffled as to how the thing fell apart. Once I get the new parts and put the thing back together, I'll see if I can figure out what could have gone wrong to cause this. Hard for me to picture in my mind how the pin, springs and such all go together. Once it's in my hands it should be obvious.

 

[ZZ CHOP]

ChopperJeff I'm glad you posted this, as i was changing my rear pads yesterday i was remembering reading this post the other day, so i made a point to check the pin more than i might normally would, sure nuff the cotter pin hole is worn almost to the end of the pin, I'll bet theirs not a 1/16 left before it breaks off the end of the pin, the rest on the pin looked and felt normal, i raked my thumbnail across the pin and there was no ridge where the pads slide across, may be a good chance this what happend to yours, im glad your ok and thank you for the post :2thumbs: ..Dave.