Brake Issue

Cello · 10-12-2020, 06:07 PM

I just rolled my bike out of the garage to wash it after a few weeks of being away, and I noticed that the brake pads were lightly brushing the rotors as I pushed. Is it possible that something weakened or wore out? All I can think of is a spring that pushes the caliper away, or is there something else that may cause an issue like that?

I haven’t done any work on the brakes or at all, really. It’s a ninja 400, if anyone knows any specific issue with those.

pbfoot · 10-13-2020, 08:46 AM

Stating your year and mileage would be helpful.

less_than_coop · 10-13-2020, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbfoot

Stating your year and mileage would be helpful.

Well, it has to be 2018 or newer.

Have you ridden it/used the brakes under load since discovering this? Just to ensure its not something that will clear out/clean out after a brake application? Just curious.

pbfoot · 10-13-2020, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by less_than_coop

Well, it has to be 2018 or newer.

Have you ridden it/used the brakes under load since discovering this? Just to ensure its not something that will clear out/clean out after a brake application? Just curious.

If that's the case, it probably just needs to be ridden. Pretty common for the pads and rotors to oxidize while sitting.

less_than_coop · 10-13-2020, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbfoot

If that's the case, it probably just needs to be ridden. Pretty common for the pads and rotors to oxidize while sitting.

That's kinda what I was thinking. That or some crud got lodged in there.

mx6er · 10-13-2020, 09:22 AM

Cleaning your brakes is something not many people do or are aware of and could also cause dragging. Basically pull off the calipers and pads, pump out the pistons (not all the way) and clean them with an old toothbrush/soapy water. push back in and reassemble. I do mine about 2x a year.

TaiMc · 10-13-2020, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cello

I just rolled my bike out of the garage to wash it after a few weeks of being away, and I noticed that the brake pads were lightly brushing the rotors as I pushed. Is it possible that something weakened or wore out? All I can think of is a spring that pushes the caliper away, or is there something else that may cause an issue like that?

I haven’t done any work on the brakes or at all, really. It’s a ninja 400, if anyone knows any specific issue with those.

Hey! Do you have any photos to post? Another guy posted something about his brakes, directly relating to some Arashi footpegs he installed. Here is the post: https://www.ninja400riders.com/threa...30/#post-89183

The guys made a few suggestions. This could be not related at all, but he posted pics and I'm curious as to how your brakes look.

Cello · 10-13-2020, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbfoot

If that's the case, it probably just needs to be ridden. Pretty common for the pads and rotors to oxidize while sitting.

I think this is going to be the issue. Someone on another forum said to do a quick ride, only use the rear brake, and feel the front rotor after a bit. It wasn’t hot after a mile, so the pad wasn’t really putting pressure on the rotor. I took a bit longer ride after that riding carefully and had no issues with the front end.

I had no idea that brake pads oxidized like that. I just heard the brakes scuffing and thought I was looking at a repair job.

10-12-2020, 06:07 PM	#1
Cello Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Past Uranus Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 175 Experience: 1 year Bike(s): 2019 Kaw Ninja 400	Brake Issue I just rolled my bike out of the garage to wash it after a few weeks of being away, and I noticed that the brake pads were lightly brushing the rotors as I pushed. Is it possible that something weakened or wore out? All I can think of is a spring that pushes the caliper away, or is there something else that may cause an issue like that? I haven’t done any work on the brakes or at all, really. It’s a ninja 400, if anyone knows any specific issue with those.

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10-13-2020, 08:46 AM	#2
pbfoot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: San Leon Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 1,210 Experience: 10+ years Bike(s): 2002 ZRX1200R	Stating your year and mileage would be helpful.
	__________________ If you don't have time to do it right, when do you have time to do it over?

10-13-2020, 09:22 AM	#6
mx6er Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SE Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 2,809 Bike(s): TL1KR street legal xr50	Cleaning your brakes is something not many people do or are aware of and could also cause dragging. Basically pull off the calipers and pads, pump out the pistons (not all the way) and clean them with an old toothbrush/soapy water. push back in and reassemble. I do mine about 2x a year.