Common Two-Wheeler Problems That Can Lead to Brake Failure and Its Solutions

Worn-Out Brake Pads:

If you are riding your motorcycle for quite a long period of time and the brakes do not offer the same bite as before, it probably has worn out. Brake fades are common after certain kilometres. Take your bike to the service centre, and get it checked. For bikes with disc brakes, worn-out pads will create a grinding noise while applied; that is how you will know that the pads are gone.

Master Cylinder Misalignment:

Sometimes the brake master cylinder misalignment can lead to bike brake failure. If the oil seal of the master cylinder is broken, it causes brake bleeding, and the leaking brake fluid can be extremely hazardous.

Improper Brake Bleeding:

After you have installed new brake pads, or have topped up the brake fluid, do not forget the brake bleeding exercise. What is brake bleeding, you may wonder. Well, it is nothing but channelising the brake fluid through the system. If the brake fluid is not properly circulated, there will be air inside the bike brake liner, and it can cause bike brake failure.

Leaking Brake Fluid:

The leakage of brake fluid —because of master cylinder misalignment or improper bleeding — can cause catastrophic outcomes. After changing the brake pads or topping up the brake fluid, ensure you tighten the bolts properly and check for leakages.

Inadequate Brake Fluid:

Although the brake fluid does not run out that fast, checking for the brake fluid level is recommended. The front and rear brake reservoirs have levels marked out for your understanding. If the brake fluid goes below the marked level, top it up. Again, do not forget the brake bleeding. Always top up the reservoir before it gets empty. Otherwise, it will suck air into the system and cause bike brake failure.

Fork Seal Breakage:

Fork seal breaks are common in bikes. If your bike's fork seal breaks, the fork oil will start leaking and flooding the front brake pads (if left unattended for a long time). If the brake pads soak the oil, they will lose their bite, and you will have to replace the brake pads.

Brake Binding:

Is brake binding a new term for you? We will explain. Brake binding is nothing but the brakes getting stuck, resulting in wheel jams. There are multiple reasons why brake bindings happen. —

• High level of fluid pressure

• Faulty springs

• Jammed brake pads

• Calliper's piston seizures

Lube on the Brake Disc

Oftentimes people have noticed that a bike’s brakes fail after a bike wash. The reason is the residue of soap-water or oil on the discs. The simple solution to this problem is to wipe the disc with a dry paper towel. Newspapers also work nicely in this maintenance.

Most bike enthusiasts know how to take care of their bikes, but not all are enthusiasts. Most bike riders commute from one place to another, and for them, any problem that can impact essential braking performance is a high risk.

We hope this article helps you understand the root cause of problems, and they should not lead to brake failure. And also, do not ride without a licence, insurance, and helmet.

Never drive your bike without buying insurance for your 2-wheeler. Yes! Having a bike insurance policy is a legal mandate in India. But remember that any third-party insurance can get you through the legalities, but only a comprehensive bike insurance policy is truly helpful in the hour of need.

Now that you know that you must have insurance for your 2-wheeler know where to get it from. Tata AIG is one of the premium insurance providers in India, and you can bestow your trust on it for your bike insurance needs. It offers all sorts of policies, so it is recommended to compare two-wheeler insurance before buying.