help with slightly dragging front disc brakes

[ReSanti]

After adopting my 1982 GS 1100 EZ from my father, and propping up the front wheel to remove it for tire replacement, I noticed that the front wheel does not spin freely due to the pads rubbing on the disc brakes. After removing the both calipers from the left and right discs, the wheel spins free and smoothly.

With my naked eye, the front forks appear to be aligned with the discs (vertically), and there are no missing spacers or washers along the front axle.

Is there a way to provide more space between the the pads and discs so there is less rubbing and less friction when the brake lever is not being actuated? My instinct tells me to adjust the caliper axle, but I wanted to seek advice with you GS gurus first before I messed with them.

Thanks,
RRS

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. ReSanti,

A slight bit of contact is normal. Make sure they are bled properly and all the the 30 year old rubber has been replaced (hint: new rebuild kits for the calipers and master cylinder after they have been thoroughly cleaned). And to do it properly, the 30 year old rubber brake hoses should be replaced with braided stainless steel brake lines. Use the proper caliper grease (copper moly, perhaps?) on the caliper axles.

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[1948man]

There is a tiny hole in the bottom of the brake reservoir (at least on my model) than needs to be open. It can be unpluged if need be by a small wire. Also if you disassemble the caliper axle bolt area and clean, lube and reassemble it helps. Mine went from a significant drag to free spinning. The sliders weren't even present on the right side caliper. Also, the threaded part the caliper axle bolt threads into has to sit correctly for things to work right. There is a flat area that seats in such a way that it can't turn as the bolt is being threaded in. Check the parts fiche here if you aren't sure of how the little parts go together.http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

[blowerbike]

beat on the calipers with a plastic hammer...that should free them up and make the wheel spin really free.
if so then try some of the above suggestions.

[bbjumper]

With crud in the system or caliper mounting bolts not properly lubed you run the risk of having the brakes lock up. Piston does not retract and the caliper can't move. Go through the system and R/R as necessary, cheap insurance.

[Big T]

With crud in the system or caliper mounting bolts not properly lubed you run the risk of having the brakes lock up. Piston does not retract and the caliper can't move. Go through the system and R/R as necessary, cheap insurance.

This is the correct answer

The brakes are dragging because the rubber companents are old and the brake fluid is contaminated

You need to tear down the calipers and master cylinder, replace rubber bits, new brake lines and fresh fluid