Grinding noise coming from my TVS Apache's brake after my accident

The technician at the service centre solved the problem by cleaning the brake pads but the noise started coming again after a month.

BHPian ManualMaestro recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello, fellow bhpians.

I own a 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V which has only about 8k kms. I got into a minor accident last year when an autorickshaw sideswiped me causing me to crash into parked 2 wheelers.

I was able to apply some brakes and at least my bike came out unscathed. But since then, I've been hearing a sort of grinding noise from my front brake whenever I make sharp turns, but I was never able to recreate it on a double stand. Here is a video. Mind you, it only happens when turning, and I am doing 8s in the video.

When I took it for its due service and told the technician about it, he apparently solved the problem by cleaning the brake pads. The noise was actually gone for a solid month until it came back.

Now recently I checked it myself thoroughly and found some play in the caliper (the source of noise). This being my first bike, I've absolutely no idea if this is how it is supposed to be.

Any help and insights?

Thank you.

Here's what BHPian TN31Rider had to say about the matter:

The noise could be caused by a worn out piston/caliper, get it checked.

I'm more concerned about the cracked alloy wheel in the photo, it seems broken beyond repair get it replaced.

Here's what BHPian BullettuPaandi had to say about the matter:

Just checked the front and rear calipers on my bike- there is similar play on both. So, I think that is normal.

With how you describe the accident, I think it's likely that your wheel bearings took a hit. Lift the wheel off the ground, hold it on opposite ends and see if there's any noise or play in any direction- up & down, left & right or diagonally. There shouldn't be any movement in the wheel alone.

If you can't tell by this, you can also ride briefly without holding the handlebar and see if the bike steers unpredictably. Obviously, do this with necessary caution & only if this is the last thing left to try.

Here's what BHPian sagarpadaki had to say about the matter:

• Check wheel bearing damage. See if the front wheel has side-to-side play when on the center stand
• Check the disc rotor for bend. The bend can cause that clicking noise. However, it would also cause pulsation when you apply brakes. Is it happening? If bent, need to replace the rotor.
• The play in the front caliper that you see when you hold and shake is normal. Try replacing the rubber caliper bush on the caliper. That may reduce the play. It hardly costs 20 bucks.
• Use caliper grease to grease the caliper. You can get small grease sachets like these from a car spare parts shop.  Clean all old grease and apply this new grease.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.