front wheel locking

[billy192]

Hi,
when I push the bike back and turn the bars to one side the wheel binds, doesn't matter which way I turn same thing. Straight line OK. Jack the front wheel off the ground and wheel is free going backwards lock to lock. only when the weight is on it does this happen.
any ideas?

Billy

[Bryanj]

Something trapping the brake flexi and sqeezing fluid to the caliper OR front wheel bearing play

[billy192]

Thanks Bryanj
Brake pipe not being trapped so i will look at the wheel bearings.
Billy

[Waggles]

Hi Billy,

May sound strange but check how the front mudguard is mounted. I originally incorrectly fitted mine so the brake side bracket was between the top brake mounting bracket and the fork leg, this put the caliper very slightly out of line and caused me a lot of brake dragging problems ( although admittedly the handlebar position didnt alter this )

[billy192]

Hi,
Thanks for all the advice but in the end Bryanj was spot on, front bearings were totally shot.
nice new ones in and smooth as a smooth thing.

One thing though there was no bearing retainer is this dangerous? if so where do I get one from?
Billy

[Bryanj]

Should be a screw in retainer and seal on one side only, Try Dave silver

[billy192]

Thought it had gone but looking again.
I have trouble getting the wheel off as the pads are tight against the disk.
stripped the calliper to find that the piston is v pitted and will not go back in with out a lot of effot.
plus one of the last owners must wear spurs as the bleed nipple has had the thread stripped so he/she rammed a 12mm bolt in.

now need a new piston + seal and a new outer half of the calliper.

Billy

[mick]

Billy, send Bryanj a message he did have some bleed nipple repair kits for sale  , easy to do and work a treat  , let us no how you get on getting a piston & seal and were from & how much please my F1 needs front & back replacing  , cheers Mick.

[Waggles]

Can't remember the price Mick but I used stainless steel pistons and sealing rings for my F1 brakes (front and rear) from wemoto on the basis they shouldn't pit etc, they were fine but I had to get the pukka grit seals as the general purpose ones supplied with the pistons didn't really fit properly ( got them from DSS )

[meerkat]

Hi Billy 192
Here's the link to the same problem which I had.
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,3954.msg16866.html#msg16866
I bought a phenolic piston from the States which together with my caliper bracket mod cured the problem.

[Bryanj]

Dave Silver now does pattern stainless pistons of excellent quality and yes i still have some repair kits

[Bryanj]

I don't make 'em they are imported from the USA and retailed by NAPA. I just sourced them and paid for them then got stung by HMRC for the temerity of bringing in something usefull!!

[mick]

Cheers Waggles for the info, Bill how much did the phenolic one cost you if you don't mind me asking?, cheers Mick.

[meerkat]

Bill how much did the phenolic one cost you if you don't mind me asking?, cheers Mick.

Hi Mick,
No I don't mind at all - I'm happy to help.
The total payment was $38 at 31/10/2011 which worked out at £24.29 via PayPal.
I was very impressed with Kevin's attention to detail in even making a small cardboard box to post it in.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
Regards, Bill

[billy192]

Still having problems with the front brake binding. the brake leaver is tight no play as soon as you touch the brake is on. when stationary it will not roll forward or backward.

 here is a list of thing I have done so far

1 new front wheel bearings
2 new front axle
3 new SS piston and genuine seal
4 new bleed nipple (thanks to Bryanj)
5 new pads

fed up Billy