is this normal??? 91 VFR750 - Front brake rotors make noise

Discussion in '3rd & 4th Generation 1990-1997' started by G-Man, Aug 29, 2009.

  1. G-Man

    G-Man New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MAss
    Since I bought my '91 a few years back, the front brake rotors clank around at low speeds (<5mph). The PO said this was normal due to the fact that they are 'floating' disc brakes.

    What will it take to make this noise go away? New rotors? Anything else?:confused:
     
  2. deepdish

    deepdish Banned

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2009
    Messages:
    1,037
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    purgatory.........................................
    take out your break pads...................
     
  3. adamjenkins

    adamjenkins New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    Messages:
    194
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Map
    Thats not normal
     
  4. nosaint

    nosaint New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2009
    Messages:
    75
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Moose Jaw, SK
    my 93 dont clank
     
  5. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2006
    Messages:
    9,868
    Likes Received:
    754
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Buffalo, NY
    Map
    your.rotors.are.floaters???...not!

    check.all.the.bolts.4.tightness.as.well.as.caliper.bolts

    u.may.be.missing.spings.in.calipers
     
  6. safetypro10

    safetypro10 New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2003
    Messages:
    819
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Map
    3rd gen stock rotors are NOT free floaters, but you could get aftermarket rotors that were. 4th gen rotors are.

    If you rotors are NOT aftermarket, check all rotor bolts and make sure the paper isolators are there behind the rotor and tighten the bolts.

    Larry
     
  7. NT696

    NT696 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Southern Ontario
    +1.
    3rd gen stock rotors are solid, not floating. The caliper rides on two greased pins, allowing the caliper to float. If you have aftermarket rotors with 'buttons' that let the braking surface float a little, the two are OK to work together. I have another bike with floating calipers and rotors, no prob.
    There is normally a 'wave spring' behind each button on a floating rotor system, keeping the rotor from flip-floping loudly between the shoulders of the button. You can hear the pads drag a little more (than stock) on a floating rotor system, for some reason. Totally normal.
    As squirrelman says, look also for missing SS spring 'plates' in the caliper. Should be two in each one.
    Myself, i'm not convinced the paper shims behind the rotor bolts, serve any useful purpose. I've deleted mine for many years.
     
  8. 02 VFR Rider

    02 VFR Rider New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2,286
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    0
    if they are free floating the owner could have pooped the rivot over to allow more movement - alot of racers do this mod and helps to prevent the rotors spreading the pads at high speed.
    can you post a pic so we can identify?
     
  9. dale-j

    dale-j New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2007
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    British Columbia, Canada

    A pic would help. If they are like these ones (first attachment)
    there is no possibility of floating them - or better point being if they are floating you have a serious problem. I have 'floated' buttoned rotors on my GSXR before (an old oil cooled one) with good results and came to appreciate the jingle of them as well as the smoother take up, but to do it you need the right type of rotors to start with, like the ones in the second attachment.

    S
     

    Attached Files:

  10. G-Man

    G-Man New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2006
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MAss
    Well then my rotors must be aftermarket. They have some free play behind those metal tabs. I couldn't post a pic so you have to click view my picture gallery to see it. It sounds like some 'wave springs' might help with the noise Thanks.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2009
  11. jazclrint

    jazclrint New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2009
    Messages:
    97
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    Map
    I just found this thread. I too have a '91 and those are not stock rotors. I have no idea what they are as far as brand. They do look to be a floating design, but I doubt there are any springs that would work for your situation. I have never seen a design like that before. I would say you are stuck with the noise unless you want to go back to stock rotors. You could also get front wheel off of a 4th gen, 5th gen, or CBR F3 and have floating rotors, but the paint color wouldn't match.

    Rich
     
  12. 02 VFR Rider

    02 VFR Rider New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2,286
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    0
    G man where in mass are you??? You missed a few good rides w/ us over the summer.
    yuo have full floaters on your bike but I have never seen that type before ever.
    can you take a close up pic of the front and back?
     
Related Topics

Share This Page