CB550 Front brake problem

weirdmike

weirdmike

New Member
Hello all,

I have a 1975 CB550 that I bought a few years ago and have been riding it with minimal problems since. Recently I had to get my front tire's tube replaced due to a leaking valve stem. I followed the manual and took the tire off without any issues. When I put the tire back on after it was fixed, the front brake pads were both in contact with the disk and sticking quite badly. I never had any problems with my front brake before I took my tire off so something must have happened between taking off my tire and putting it back on. I can squeeze the brake handle and it still has pressure but the pads do not back off the disk at all. When I took the tire off I didn't mess with any of the brake system. Should I take the caliper off and inspect it or is there something else I can do to get the pads back to where they should be?
 
Here's what I'd do. Only one of the pads actually moves in and out on your front brake. It's the outboard pad. I'd take the caliper off, pull out that pad (don't worry, there's a piston in behind it), then use a c-clamp to press the piston back into its bore a bit. Doesn't have to be much. That will make the caliper loose on the disc. While you have the caliper off, make sure that the bracket that it mounts on is swinging freely. I had the pivot where the bracket attaches to the fork tube seize up on me and that really effects the stopping power of the system. Put the brake pad back in the caliper and bolt it back on. You'll need to pump the brake quite a few times to get it to tighten up on the disc again. The only thing that makes the brake pad retract back into the caliper when you let go of the brake lever is vacuum. If the problem persists, you may want to bleed the brakes and replace the brake fluid. Especially if it's a couple years old or more. Brake fluid attracts water and water in the lines causes all manner of issues.
 
Thanks for the advice, I took the pads off and used a c clamp to push the piston back but when I put the caliper and pads back on my tire still did not move smoothly. I took off the caliper and tried to move my tire and it still did not spin freely. Soo it turns out it isn't my brakes but some thing to do with the axle or forks I'm guessing.

On the right side of the wheel I noticed my axle is not flush out against the edge of the forks like it is in this picture. It stays in about 1/8 inch or so.
wheel5.jpg


The left side of the axle has spacers that lock it into my fork.
Are my forks bent? I have not dropped my bike or anything.
I am so confused.
 
I figured it out. Really simple actually. When the shop balanced my bike they must have screwed the axle nut in all the way and that's why it wasn't fitting flush. I messed with it and got it set so it was flush and the wheel spun freely and the disk brake and caliper were in their correct position. Phew, I am just glad it was something simple haha.
 
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