Cognitive dissonance

Indeed they do- so when you find a really good mechanic, cultivate a
relationship with him/her, because they appear to be as rare as rocking
horse shit.

Sounds like the bike was a bit neglected. I was under the impression
this was a fairly low mileage bike, and shouldn't have needed pads yet?
Which makes me wonder if the caliper was stuck, which wore the pads out
prematurely.

Hopefully the 2nd mechanic, in addition to replacing the pads, will
also strip the caliper down and clean it, or at least push the pistons
out a little more and clean around them with a brush to ensure they
are not sticking in their bores, then flush the old brake fluid out
of the caliper and master cylinder.

 

A metallic scraping sound when I applied my Sportster's front (disk)
brake indicated that the pads were worn out. So I took it to a local
Harley dealership (which need not be named), parked by the service door
and asked to get it checked out.

In short order a mechanic emerged with a flashlight and examined my
front wheel. "The pads are brand new," he said. "They just have to
wear in a bit to match the rotor."

So I rode away happy... for a short time, until I hit the front brake
again. Still that ominous scraping sound.

I felt tense. Classic symptom of Cognitive Dissonance, where the advice
of a professional expert clashed with the evidence of my senses.

Which to believe? Who was I, mechanically challenged, to dispute
the word of a certified Harley mechanic? In other circumstances
such as an inquest or a trial, his word would carry far more weight
with the court than mine. And yet the scraping sound continued.
The pads were sure taking their time wearing in, I thought.

Finally I took the bike to a backyard wrench; non-certified but with
a good deal of real-life motorcycle experience. It took him only
a short time to discover that the pads were totally worn out.
Where any pad material remained it was paper-thin. Luckily the rotor
is still in usable shape. The Harley mechanic had apparently
mistaken the bare backing plates for new pads, with the piston
fully extended.

Sometimes even the experts get it wrong.

SQ
cc: Reeky

 

Double plus on what he said. This is also a great opportunity to
change to a better for you brake pad compound. Because better stopping
ability is ALWAYS better imo.

 

That's my opinion too, Better is ALWAYS Better.

 

What many never seem to understand is the brake pads that work for me
and mine do **** all for you. 8^)

 

Its allways better to push the pistons all the way out and inspect any seal
debris that might give a clue to the condition of the whole system.

Also I swear by special brake seal grease, in the UK we have red brake seal
grease, alternatively silicone grease from electronic component suppliers is
water repellant and inhibits corrosion.