Brake Shudder

From DucatiWiki

Possible Brake Shudder Cure

Posted by tonered (me) on Duc.ms

I’ve been annoyed with front brake shudder. I have believed that it was an issue with the pads staying in contact with the rotor, esp when stationary after a ride, for sometime now.

Coincidentally, I signed up for Motoman's Break in Secrets newsletters. One of his tips was to remove the anti-rattle springs from the brake calipers. The theory was that it would help with cooling and dust build up as more airflow was provided through the caliper. I was wondering how much a tiny brake pad could rattle on a rumbling Duc. So, I gave it a shot. I haven't experienced any rattle thus far.

If you toss in your email addy here:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

you'll get a reply email with a bunch of his 'whitepapers.' It's good reading in a web-enhanced kind of way. Tip #6 has pics and details of what I am talking about.

Funny enough, it seems that these anti-rattle springs were the source of my rotor pulses. It seems they do not allow the pads do not fully back off the rotors and transfer material when stationary. I've been running this way for a month now.

The pulses are all but non-existent. They seemed to have disappeared as slowly as they show up after a cleaning.

My only worry is that the cotter pins will see more wear. I have substituted safety wire instead.

Here's the result of my first attempt at lockwiring. I used Harbor Freight supplies: Their $6 lockwire pliers, 0.041in thick T304 SS wire, and some snips.

The second pic is Butcher’s method.

My Method: [1]

Butcher's Method: [2]