Horribly Screaching Brakes

**nanite** · 04-17-2005, 02:04 PM

For the last few months that I've had my bike out, I've been combating squeeky front disc brake syndrome. Just today I scrubbed and wiped down the single disc rotor on the front, and the braking was orgasmic. Strong, steady, soundless. However, after 3 or 4 good stops, they progressively got worse. It's especially bad when I'm slowing down to a stop from a low speed. Cages try to move up in fear that I'll hit them.

I'm taking the bike in next weekend to get it inspected and fixed up, but is there any major problem that this indicates, and is there any way to cure the problem?

**Logan** · 04-17-2005, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by nanite

Just today I scrubbed and wiped down the single disc rotor on the front, and the braking was orgasmic.

You can't expect EVERY stop to result in an orgasm, can you?

Some bikes will do it more than others. A lot depends on the cleanliness of the pad/rotor, as well as the pad material. Soft pads are quieter, but wear & fade sooner. Temperature & humidity also matters.

Assuming you don't see anything physically wrong with the brakes, you can spray them with brake cleaner & make sure there's no foreign material on them. Some brakes will also get a touch of rust or glaze on them.

Next time it happens, find a place to ride in a straight line. Gently pull in the front brake while maintaining speed for 30 seconds or so. That might be enough to clean them off.

Useful info, even for other brands: http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/Brake_Pad_FAQ.htm#Brake Squeal FAQ

**nanite** · 04-21-2005, 11:25 AM

Well, after messing with the brakes, I've found that they only really squeal when they're warm. When they get cold or hot, they're fine. So, I'll keep scrubbing the rotors and have the dealership look at them for good measure.

Another interesting problem that I've seen on and off with my motorcycle is that sometimes after a ride I'll find that the fuel valve is damp with gas. Isn't that weird? Is that a big issue?

**rpminmn** · 04-21-2005, 11:29 AM

every once in a while I'll blow the dust off the pads with some canned air... reduces the squeal quite bit, for a while at least.

-bob

**Paduan** · 04-21-2005, 11:31 AM

Drag 'em a little in reverse every once in a while...

**subvetSSN606** · 04-21-2005, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Paduan

Drag 'em a little in reverse every once in a while...

Old school!

Tom

PS
Bet a lot of people out there had no idea that using their car brakes while backing up was what made them "self-adjusting."

**nanite** · 04-21-2005, 03:38 PM

Is this some sort of inside joke about dragging your brakes in reverse? I'm only 18, so any elderly humor would be over my head.

**subvetSSN606** · 04-21-2005, 03:39 PM

Occured to me that my last post might imply that the backing up and using the brakes might adjust your bike's brakes... NO.

Tom

**subvetSSN606** · 04-21-2005, 03:58 PM

Nanite,
Had already posted my last before I saw yours. On cars with drum brakes, using the brakes while backing up adjusted the brakes. Not a factor on the bike. Methinks what Paduan was talking about with the bike was that it might help "set" the pads to where they should be.

To the best of my knowledge, most noisy brakes are due to the vibration of the back side of the pads against the pistons/calipers. Some bikes are notorious for this, and it's not a problem with functionality, just annoying.

Tom