Inconsistent Brake Pressure

Update: Until I had the new pads put in, the dealer tried bleeding them which did nothing. I had zip tied the brake lever a few times, which got rid it for a short while, but a very small amount did return. Now with the new pads installed and after several rides I can happily say the issue is gone. Unfortunately the brakes still squeal though, although not as much. I’m not sure how or why this has occurred. If it’s having thicker pads push the pistons further in, so they can’t retract as far after a lever pull, that doesn’t make sense because the original pads would have been just as thick. Maybe as the new pads wear down the issue could return. Who knows. If I change out the pads next year to EBC, that would be a good test.

 

I need to update this thread, as I forgot to add to it last year. I did mention it in the warranty issue thread but forgot to add it here. Last year I took the callipers off and removed the pads, pumped the pistons out and cleaned them. After this process the brakes were very good. There was a very slight difference between the first and second pull but not much. Once Triumph put the replacement pads in it seemed even better. Recently I performed the same process as stated above except this time I put brake grease on the pistons. The pistons were then worked back-and-forth to move the grease into the piston housing of the calliper and the remainder wiped off. Upon grabbing the brakes now there is absolutely no difference between a first and second pull. I have not ridden the bike yet due to weather but will update after riding. I found when I had the callipers off the first time last year and was pumping the pistons out I noticed one piston on each calliper was virtually stuck in place and didn’t want to move. I think this “may” be the reason for that inconsistent break feel. This time when I perform the same process I did not notice any piston sticking, but with grease applied and worked into the calliper, I’m sure the piston movement will improve and hopefully the rubber seal will get some of the grease as well. Here’s a photo of when I was applying the grease to the piston. For anyone that wants to see the process check out my recent thread on cleaning and greasing brake pistons.

 

I would definitely give them a cleaning first though. You’d be surprised how much brake dust gets in there in a relatively short period of time.

 

Ok, l got out for a four hour ride today on some extremely beautiful and quiet canyon roads. The brakes are working great. There is no issue at present regarding the inconsistent pressure. The brakes feel extremely strong with great modulation. They are not squealing at the moment either, not sure why. Maybe just realigning the callipers on the rotors helped, who knows. If anything changes I will update.

 

It is odd that the pistons don’t move freely with such a new bike. Maybe that’s consistent with most calipers, idk as this is the first bike I’ve cleaned the piston calipers on. That’s too bad one piston popped out on you, was it difficult to reinstall? As far as movement after cleaning and greasing, I found I had to push the pistons in and out many times to get them to move freely. After that they would all come out very easily when applying the brake lever. Did you do that? Well I’ve had a few more rides since the clean and grease and they are still performing excellent with no inconsistency. One thing that kinda took my by surprise on the first ride after the clean and grease was the initial brake engagement seemed quicker and braking felt stronger. I didn’t mention this earlier because I thought it was probably all in my head, but after several rides it’s still noticeable. Let me know if you feel any difference.

 

Yup work phenomenal under heartbreaking. I agree get those pads changed out because it is a potential safety issue. Question though, what do you mean by putting grease on the “edge” of the pads? Do you mean the back side of the pads on the outer edge? Personally I don’t use grease anywhere near pads, as you risk contaminating pads and your safety. After I cleaned and greased my pistons I used brake clean quickly all over to make sure there is no grease anywhere.

 

Ok, on the back of the pads. That was a thing for a while. I tried it on my previous pads but didn’t help with the squealing. I’m not sure what you mean by the pads can push back. At speeds of about 230 km’s per hour with hard braking I never noticed anything from grease on the back of the pads vs no grease. I do notice an improvement with grease on the pistons though. I will continue this process moving forward.

 

Putting grease on the pistons was the best thing I could have done. The inconsistency is completely gone and the brakes are feeling stronger than ever. Hey I heard a funny joke the other day that is appropriate at the moment. Did you hear about the guy who was addicted to brake fluid? He said he can stop anytime.