Damaged front disc R850R: please advise

[signo26]

Hello everyone,

I have just recovered my R850R 2001 non-ABS (33k miles) after a theft incident - I was lucky it suffered no major damage; was safety inspected by my local garage, who replaced the ignition barrel. Took it back today, rides well but noticed one of the front discs has a small chip/damaged area from when the disc lock was cut: this makes a loud clunky/rubbing sound when riding. It doesn't bind and the breaks still work well. The sound stops upon breaking. Was told this isn't a safety concern and that to replace the discs would mean doing a full calliper service which apparently is a 'nightmare' on these bikes, sometimes they don't fit back on new discs, might need new callipers, etc. The bike has the original brembos, which feel sharp to me. Not sure when they were last serviced, certainly over 2 years ago, before I bought it. They said it will be very expensive and left me wondering what I should do..

The sound is quite bad and despite budget being a constraint, I'd like to fix it; was considering aftermarket discs... I don't ride hard. Are 2x of these too cheap or would they serve? Paired with 2x sets of these pads? What would you recommend doing?

Finally if anyone knows of independent mechanics in the North East area (or even farther afield) who would be more willing to take on the job, please share.

Many thanks!

 

[GADGET]

The replacement discs /pads look okay to me, although the discs are probably 'made in china' The calipers will not need changing, likely just give them a good clean whilst the old pads are out. Replace the brake fluid whilst your at it, there is really no reason why it cannot be a DIY job .

 

[Paul Young]

Hello everyone,

I have just recovered my R850R 2001 non-ABS (33k miles) after a theft incident - I was lucky it suffered no major damage; was safety inspected by my local garage, who replaced the ignition barrel. Took it back today, rides well but noticed one of the front discs has a small chip/damaged area from when the disc lock was cut: this makes a loud clunky/rubbing sound when riding. It doesn't bind and the breaks still work well. The sound stops upon breaking. Was told this isn't a safety concern and that to replace the discs would mean doing a full calliper service which apparently is a 'nightmare' on these bikes, sometimes they don't fit back on new discs, might need new callipers, etc. The bike has the original brembos, which feel sharp to me. Not sure when they were last serviced, certainly over 2 years ago, before I bought it. They said it will be very expensive and left me wondering what I should do..

The sound is quite bad and despite budget being a constraint, I'd like to fix it; was considering aftermarket discs... I don't ride hard. Are 2x of these too cheap or would they serve? Paired with 2x sets of these pads? What would you recommend doing?

Finally if anyone knows of independent mechanics in the North East area (or even farther afield) who would be more willing to take on the job, please share.

Many thanks!

Expensive, and nightmare job = bullsh*t. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

The discs you’ve linked to may not be the the correct ones for your bike. I use an alloy R1100R front wheel with fully floating discs so, unless yours has the classic spoked wheels, they may be the same. Replacing the discs is just a matter of removing the wheel, heating the bolts to melt any thread lock and removing each one to release the disc. Replace the pads at the same time and I’d be surprised if the whole job takes longer than 2hrs, incl removing the wheel.

 

[signo26]

Expensive, and nightmare job = bullsh*t. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

The discs you’ve linked to may not be the the correct ones for your bike. I use an alloy R1100R front wheel with fully floating discs so, unless yours has the classic spoked wheels, they may be the same. Replacing the discs is just a matter of removing the wheel, heating the bolts to melt any thread lock and removing each one to release the disc. Replace the pads at the same time and I’d be surprised if the whole job takes longer than 2hrs, incl removing the wheel.

These are the current discs: what replacement alternatives would you suggest? With thanks

 

[squibb34]

Can we have an image of the disc damage OP?

If the discs have been declared safe then, from what you describe, it sounds like just a burred edge that it may be possible to dress away carefully with a Dremel.

 

[Steptoe]

As Paul Young has already said… it’s bullshite.
If you don’t trust yourself to do the job take it to another workshop.
It’s a straightforward job ..

 

[Paul Young]

These are the current discs: what replacement alternatives would you suggest? With thanks

Like I said, they’re fully floating discs and the ones you linked to in your first post are not going to fit.
I got my current pair from Tsuboss and they’ve been excellent. Look up the ones for your model.

 

[signo26]

Interesting, thank you. Will send pics next week, am currently away

 

[The Other PaulG]

I’d stay well clear of the garage that advised you might need new callipers.

 

[boatman]

As others have said - - easy job
Heat bolt heads to soften the thread locking compound ( I use one of these little gas torches for this )
Then use an impact driver to break the seal .

 

[Udders]

Poor seal.

 

[Riceburner]

As others have said - - easy job
Heat bolt heads to soften the thread locking compound ( I use one of these little gas torches for this )
Then use an impact driver to break the seal .

I've never needed more than a decent bit of leverage, so it's worth a go with a decent toolkit before going straight for the flamethrower.

 

[OnHellas]

View attachment 507081

Poor seal.

Is that Lou or Ron??

 

[Udders]

Is that Lou or Ron??

Ant

 

[Pete.]

I've never needed more than a decent bit of leverage, so it's worth a go with a decent toolkit before going straight for the flamethrower.

I give them a 5 second blast with the Rothenberger torch, wait 10 seconds or so then they undo much more readily than if I don't.

 

[signo26]

Hi, an update: so the disc must actually be warped as it's interfering with the breaking action - I rode it again today and breaking is much weaker upon first lever press, gets better upon repeated breaking but very unsatisfactory on the whole. It'll need a new disc, I will probably go with the original Brembo via motorworks for, sigh, £200.. (on offer) [edit: Found it much cheaper here! Lucky again . Will need to get new brake lines too, still on the original ones.. Any recommendations? Replaced the front tyre today and was told the front lines in particular need replacing. They didn't seem so concerned about the callipers anymore...

 

[Mzokk]

Hi, an update: so the disc must actually be warped as it's interfering with the breaking action - I rode it again today and breaking is much weaker upon first lever press, gets better upon repeated breaking but very unsatisfactory on the whole. It'll need a new disc, I will probably go with the original Brembo via motorworks for, sigh, £200.. (on offer). Will get new brake lines too, still on the original ones.. Replaced the front tyre today and was told the front lines in particular need replacing. They didn't seem so concerned about the callipers anymore...

Is the disc warped? If it is, you will get pulsing through the brake lever which you will notice especially at low speed coming to a standstill. If a disc is warped it has to be VERY warped to push the caliper pistons back far enough to cause a spongy brake. Are you sure that the brakes just don't need bleed. I.e is there a bit of air in there. Usually if this is the case when you pump the brakes a couple of times the brake stopping power increases. I'd change your mechanic to someone who knows what they are doing if you don't have the confidence to DIY. On that age of bike new brake lines would be a good idea in any case. They are very easy to change on a Non ABS bike and easy to bleed afterwards.

 

[signo26]

Yes, it pulses exactly as you described.

I wonder if these are worth the gamble! New they are expensive..

 

[Udders]

NEVER scrimp on brakes or tyres.