Warning Signs To Watch For With Your Motorcycle's Brakes
While proper brake maintenance is important no matter the type of vehicle, driving a motorcycle with bad breaks can be especially dangerous. Usually, brake problems with a motorcycle can be easy to point out because you spend so much time in close proximity to the mechanical components. However, if you are a relatively new rider or are not so mechanically inclined, you could easily overlook signs that your bike needs brake repair. Check out the most common symptoms to watch for that can indicate your motorcycle needs attention from a brake service technician.
You keep finding fluid around the bike's brake system.
Fluid leaks can show up around the fluid reservoir, the brake caliper, or otherwise on a motorcycle. However, you may not see the fluid immediately, but you may spot fluid around the tire or even on the ground. If you are continually losing fluid or if you are finding fluid around the bike, this is a sign that the brake fluid is leaking at some point. Therefore, you should have the issue addressed by a brake repair professional.
You have intermittent issues with brake fade.
Brake fade is when you hit the brakes and they seem to hold just fine, but the hold seems to fade or weaken the longer you hold the brake. Brake fade can happen if you are putting a lot of stress on the brakes. For example, if you are repeatedly hitting the brakes, you may experience some weakening. However, if brake fade is happening when you haven't altered how you use them on your motorcycle, this could be indicative of poor drum-to-brake contact.
You feel a lot of heat coming from the brake area.
One good thing about being in such close proximity to mechanical components is you should be able to feel the heat when there is too much friction with your bike's brakes. If you are feeling a lot of heat radiating from the wheels during or after a ride, this can be a sign of brake issues. Well-functioning brakes should not put off so much heat that the rider would feel any change in temperature.
You hear noises when you apply the brakes.
Just as it is with a traditional four-tire automobile, hearing noises when you apply the brakes on your motorcycle is not a good sign. You may hear squealing, juddering, or screeching noises when the brakes are applied. If you do hear noises, it is best to visit an auto brake repair shop before trusting your brakes for any long road trips.
Contact a company like Coronado Shell to find out more.