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Author Topic: KX250 front brake problem  (Read 4520 times)

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Offline jamez-0001

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KX250 front brake problem
« on: October 26, 2013, 08:29:28 PM »
Hi,

Got a bit of a bizarre problem - maybe someone can help?

KX250 1997 with nissin twin piston brake caliper and master cylinder. Front brake very weak. When pushing the bike and applying brake, it won't stop completely. Have bled system and lever feels quite firm and doesn't loose firmness when held down. Pistons are moving freely. Pad guide pin is a bit grooved. Have cleaned brake disc thoroughly and put a set of new pads in. All to no avail. The really odd thing is that after washing the bike down with water, the brake grabs much better! Can't get my head round it  :<img src=" title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline evo550

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2013, 11:07:14 PM »
Something on the pads?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline Stusmoke

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2013, 11:57:20 PM »
Something on the pads?

x2 go somewhere you can ride in a straight line, ride along in first gear and drag the brakes until it gets quite hot. Hopefully that will evaporate whatever is on them. Sometimes if you spray WD-40 on the bike somewhere, it can mist over and settle on the rotors or something like that. I find degreaser is just as bad so if you were washing your axles with that be careful.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline eprovenzano

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2013, 01:44:26 PM »
Something on the pads?

I agree...  (I can't believe I'm tying this :-[ ) Try Stu's method and let us know what happens... 
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline SachsGS

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2013, 02:51:01 PM »
The brake caliper is typically mounted on pins which allow it to "float" and position itself on the disc. Make sure it's not seized. As well, make sure the disc itself is not warped or heavily glazed.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline Stusmoke

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2013, 12:31:03 AM »
Something on the pads?

I agree...  (I can't believe I'm tying this :-[ ) Try Stu's method and let us know what happens... 

Happy day! Don't do it often though unless you really like replacing brake pads ;D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline evo550

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2013, 05:14:13 AM »
Most new pads need to be "broken in", this process is usually written on the manufacturer packaging somewhere (that we never read) which could help.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline Stusmoke

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2013, 05:22:42 AM »
Most new pads need to be "broken in", this process is usually written on the manufacturer packaging somewhere (that we never read) which could help.


Good thought. Fresh rotors need a little break in too I'm told. Running a KTM means you never have to buy another one  ;)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline jamez-0001

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2013, 09:27:53 PM »
Cheers for the tips guys; I'll try these suggestions on Saturday!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline jamez-0001

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2013, 06:49:10 PM »
Got brakes working a lot better! I followed the suggestions and rode the bike slowly with the front brake on. Seems to have done the trick! I think the disc was glazed over, as the old pads didn't bite either. I remember cleaning disc with electro contact cleaner at some point, which maybe didn't help. Seems to have worked a treat - cheers guys, much appreciated!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline Stusmoke

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KX250 front brake problem
« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2013, 12:36:04 AM »
not a worry mate glad its sorted. Just don't do it often cos it eats pads.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »