Topic: Front brake 550 k

[larry]

I've pulled the discs to clean behind them,tried adjusting them, made sure they retract after letting loose of the brake handle, but I still get drag on the front tire.  If I spin the tire it will only rotate about one quarter to a half turn on its own.  If I back off the two bolts one quarter turn or less the tire spins freely.  I was told by an old honda mechanic this was a problem a while back.  When everything is working properly how easily should the tire spin?  The bike is a 77 and has sat since 82 could the discs have swollen a bit much and with time work better?  Would new fluid help this I put new in after I flushed the system since it was gummed up when I got the bike.  thanks

[Duanob]

Did you pull the caliper cyilnder out and clean and replace the rubber seal? That's usually the problem with these old 550s when the brakes drag. Also make sure all holes in the master reservior are clear with canned air. Drain the fluid first of course.

[bryanj]

PLEASE use the search, the number of times this hascome up is staggering!!!

[Stev-o]

Have never heard of discs swelling!

[sniper1]

Duanob is right. Replace the seal. I have a '77 550 that had the exact same problem. I replaced the seal and and no more dragging. Brakes work good now......well as good as can be expected (i still hate the lack of braking power.)

[Stev-o]

Duanob is right. Replace the seal. I have a '77 550 that had the exact same problem. I replaced the seal and and no more dragging. Brakes work good now......well as good as can be expected (i still hate the lack of braking power.)

Have you considered dual front discs?

[SHELLFISH]

Yes, Please do a search as this has been covered thoroughly more than a few times!

The trick is to remove the piston and clean all the corrosion from the piston and bore.
Install new seal and get some good assembly lube. I used Permatex Ceramic extreme brake part lubricant.

I believe this is the common problem but some others have had a problem with the fluid return ports being plugged in the master cylinder. Make sure your caliper to rotor adjust is correctly adjusted.

Search "dragging" that should bring up one of the posts! Good luck with your fix!