Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: hljackso on September 22, 2024, 12:23:06 PM

Title: I need some HELP
Post by: hljackso on September 22, 2024, 12:23:06 PM
I haven't been on my bike for 5 yrs and I have it covered outdoors.
I went to move it and the front wheel will not rotate.
I checked that the bike is in neutral.
I can push it backwards a few feet but the front tire just skids along without rotating.
I'm guessing the front brakes are some how locked but I really don't know for sure.
Anyone out there that could give me some advise.
Thanks
Hank
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: DC Concours on September 22, 2024, 02:25:58 PM
Inspect to see if your pads are rusted on or you got seized wheel bearings? For pads, gently tap with a hammer, spray some penetrating oil to loosen them, etc. Or remove the calipers. Bearings are a bigger headache.
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: Strawboss on September 23, 2024, 08:18:38 AM
Hey Hank, my cousin lives off Wall Triana Hwy in Madison. Anyway, yes, what DC said, you may have to get it on the center stand but try what he said, remove the calipers to get it moving so you can get it on the stand. Bearings are not that hard to do, but I'm betting its the pads that are stuck, frozen to the rotors. Gentle tapping with a small hammer sometimes does it. If they are really stuck, you may need to tap the calipers off the rotors, I would use a piece of wood when using the hammer to be able to strike a bit harder. 
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: Strawboss on September 23, 2024, 08:24:20 AM
PM sent Hank.
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: Boomer on September 24, 2024, 02:44:29 AM
First thing I would do would be to open the bleed nipples on the calipers. If fluid jets out, then the calipers were pressurised and holding the pads on.
Brake fluid absorbs water and when it is stood for a long time that water separates out and expands, putting the caliper under pressure.
If that is the problem, you will need to do a full caliper clean with new seals before riding her, and probably a master cylinder clean & rebuild as well.

If that doesn't free it up, then a few whacks with a rubber mallet works wonders to jolt free pads that are sticking.

Not likely to be wheel bearings as even rusted up bearings will roll.
I helped restore a Ducati that had spent 4 months in 2 foot deep water and the bearings still moved, even though they were mostly rust.
Even after it was rebuilt, whenever I got close to that bike I could still smell the rancid flood water.  :doublepuke:
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 26, 2024, 05:50:35 AM
C10, C14, or other?
Title: Re: I need some HELP
Post by: Strawboss on September 26, 2024, 05:37:12 PM
Not sure, he never got back to my PM either.