Front left brake disc a lot hotter than the right one

[Mate021]

Hi everyone, i just joined the forum, as i have 2 issues with my 2006 R1200RT, already made a post about the first issue
The bike is the one with "wizzy" linked brakes.



The second issue i have is that the left brake disc is always getting a lot hotter than the right one. As a result my right brake pad has a lot of life left, while the left one is almost at the end.


Just wanted to understand if this is normal for this particular model/year?


Asked my mechanic about it and he said it was normal because only the left brake caliper is linked to the rear brake, and therefore it (somehow) gets hotter...
I was so confused that i asked my mechanic that i must have misunderstood, but he confirmed this assertion.


I just find it weird that only one caliper would be linked and not the other?? That bmw would purposefully design braking system so that one brake caliper was always working harder than the other??
And as a result brake pads would be used up unevenly ...

please if you have any insight, would love to hear it.


thanx!

[David.]

Asked my mechanic about it and he said it was normal because only the left brake caliper is linked to the rear brake.

"Your motorcycle is equipped with partially integral brakes. Both front and rear brakes are applied when you pull the handbrake lever. The footbrake lever acts only on the rear brake."

[Mate021]

understood, so the one caliper is linked explanation from the mechanic is pure BS

ty for clearing that up

[David.]

The second issue I have is that the left brake disc is always getting a lot hotter than the right one. As a result my right brake pad has a lot of life left, while the left one is almost at the end.

Sounds like the LHS caliper/pads are binding.

[exportman]

Sounds like the LHS caliper/pads are binding.

+1.   


I would get new pads for both Callipers then at the very least clean the pistons and make sure the slide smoothly before inserting the new pads.  If they are pitted and don't slide smoothly then you may need to refurbish the callipers.  Always refurbish both front callipers together.

[David.]

2006 R1200RT Front Brake Dragging Excessively, https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.ph ... xcessively

[Mate021]

Thank you for the link!


Im in the process of ordering the new caliper seals. The price seems a bit crazy, my local bmw dealer wants 100eur for the rebuild kit for a single caliper. And the kit doesnt include new pistons, just the seals

[David.]

The kit doesn't include new pistons, just the seals.

34 11 2 338 257 SET: REPAIR BRAKE CALIPER - D=32/36MM

[jackronner]

I assume that you've examined the disc itself to see any deformation that would also cause more heating and wear? 

[Mate021]

34 11 2 338 257 SET: REPAIR BRAKE CALIPER - D=32/36MM

hmmm, im guessing the sales rep was mistaken when he gave me info there wer only rubber seals in the repair set...
that explains the insane price of 100eur :D

[Mate021]

I assume that you've examined the disc itself to see any deformation that would also cause more heating and wear?

yes, the disc is perfectly smooth to the touch


at the moment im waiting to hear from the bmw sales rep, so i can confirm their repair set indeed includes new pistons as well as seals.
If that is the case, ill order the repair set, and go from there.


thanx everyone for your insight/help

[Mate021]

34 11 2 338 257 SET: REPAIR BRAKE CALIPER - D=32/36MM

Ofc the sales rep was wrong, this part number includes both pistons and seals, as shown in the picture David provided

[Mate021]

just an update for those that have similar issues


went to a new shop, and the mechanic checked if the brake discs were warped, turns out the left one was indeed warped.
im mad at myself for not checking that first


ordered new discs, and should have them installed next week

[Mate021]

replaced the brake discs this saturday, and changed up the brake pads. Old ones were used up unevenly on the side where brake disc was bent.
fortunately brake calipers did not need rebuilding