Brake Caliper Assy. '07 Bonneville

[davidc]

* As posted on T-Rat*

This is part question, part observation. The concern deals with the two springs which keep the pads stable (see photos in post #6 in Propforward's brake pad tutorial www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...placement.html.) Prop shows the larger rear in his hand; the smaller front is still fit into the caliper framework.

My machine has two springs: front and rear. A mounting tang broke on the front spring. These tangs aid in positioning the spring during assembly. I ordered a set from BikeBandit, and lo, I received only the larger rear. A phone call resulted in yes, two are shown in the schematic, but the number only calls for one. I repaired the broken one as best I could.

In fitting new pads the other day, I noted the repaired front tended to slide outward, and the pads were noisy and gripped poorly. Further scrutiny of schematics from BikeBandit, World of Triumph, and Hermy's show two springs for '07's and earlier, but just one on newer machines. To make a long story short(er), I removed the front spring, with favorable results, as in higher brake lever, no noise, smooth gripping. The ends of the pads do fit nicely in the caliper framework without the spring.

So, for those who change their own pads, especially on '08's and newer, do you have only one spring? I am inclined to think that the small front spring was discontinued because it served no real purpose.

Any insight to this, gentlemen?

[Greyplague]

David, I have only one spring in the calipers as seen in this drawing (07 Bonnie)



BTW-
I found a way to get the bloody-corroded-to-stay-in-for-eternity retaining pins out even after my allen key started to ream out the hex out of them: I used a disc grinder to form a sharp edged taper on a 1/4" bit (pic) in such a way it wouldn't bottom out in the hex hole after what I did to it; I rammed the sucker in with a (smallish) hammer and screwed it out (in fact both of them on the front caliper) easily with a 1/2"ratchet handle; I think beating the bit in kinda shocked the threads loose. No damage to the threads in the holes, I had to renew the pins due to the tapered hex head they received ;D; . They are cheap enough...made out of some really soft, poor grade of steel. Even more copper grease added on them this time!



Thieu.

PS- Pic was taken six months after I replaced the pads. The black and blue nail on my thumb was back to normal by then. I hate oily, slippery hammer heads

[davidc]

That looks to be the rear caliper in your photo and the diagram, of which I have only one spring as well. The front has two, or at least mine does. I won't worry about it because the ends of the pads fit in the spring-less groove quite well and, as I said, the brakes work well.

I always hit those pins with a wire wheel to clean them up, followed by a healthy buttering of copper grease. I can see them just rotting away over the years, though.