caliper destroyed

[russg0515]

when a parking brake is adjusted too tightly could it cause the caliper to grind through the brake pad , the rotor, and damage the caliper also. this happened to the left side of my trike on a trip after a 20 k service was performed.

I have a 2009 triglide

[msocko3]

The only way I could see the caliper being damaged is if the metal backer for the brakes was to be ground away leaving nothing.

[russg0515]

which it did ground through the brake pad into the rotor.

[lzski326]

I had mine destroyed. The pads wore down and I didn't pay attention to them and I think the backing plate or pads grabbed and tried to flip side ways and ruined the calipers and the disks were shot too. Cost me a fortune that time.

[russg0515]

I had just had the bike inspected, and the 20k service performed, went on my trip and within 600 miles this happened so I was told the parking brake was adjusted too tightly which made me think this is what caused my problem. It was my left side caliper which this happened to. Could that adjustment have caused this?

[trikermutha]

I had just had the bike inspected, and the 20k service performed, went on my trip and within 600 miles this happened so I was told the parking brake was adjusted too tightly which made me think this is what caused my problem. It was my left side caliper which this happened to. Could that adjustment have caused this?

yes if they readjusted at the time of your service

[Dragonrider]

This is what happened to mine, couldn't even tell until it was way too late.

[russg0515]

Dragonrider : this is how mine happened also I went to apply the brakes and a real strong thumping on the pedal I stopped looked under the wheels and saw my caliper hanging down. Did you just have your parking brake adjusted also prior to this happening to you. thanks

[Dragonrider]

MIne was doing the thumping all of a sudden then stopped and started again at the end of a ride. I nursed it to the shop. The parking brake was never used by me, guess the previous owner only used the rear brake to stop. The caliper was stuck. The pads had worn out, backing plate gone and piston worn away. I was told that after the pistons come out so far the whole caliper is shot.

Oh, I had just bought this trike. I got the $800 back from where I bought it, after they had "gone through it and everything was good".

[RLanning]

yes if they readjusted at the time of your service

FYI, at every service interval the dealers mechanics are suppose to adjust the parking brake. This is a 2 step process. First there is a threaded rod they adjust to make the calibers piston contact the brake pad. As the brake pad wears clearance is created between the pad and piston. 2nd step is adjustment on the park brake handle. It seems that the trike owners who have their service done at the dealer, need the rear brakes replaced around the 8000 mile mark. Use a feeler gauge and check the thickness between the brake pad backing plate and rotor. If it is .050 or less its time to replace
your pads. It seems the rear brake system is a little undersize for the weight of the trike. I also believe that adjusting the rod to make the piston contact the caliber causes premature wear, there is nowhere for the piston to retract.
My solution to this{and this is not a recommendation} think it through first.
I removed the PB activating lever which you must do to adjust the threaded rod. I backed the rod all the way out and repositioned the lever under the bracket it rests on. The lever and adjustment bolt are splined. By repositioning the lever under the bracket it can not move. I then removed the handle and cables. I always used 1st gear to hold my trike and never used the park brake anyway and had .060 pad thickness at 7900mi. If you need to replace your pads, I do recommend you try Lyndall Gold brake pads.
The manufacture says they should go approx. 18000mi.