Squeaky Brakes

[RichInFla]

Just picked up Dorothy from the shop which put on new tires (one had to come from NY and the other from NV !!). The service guy called me when they went to put on the new tires, noticed the brake pads were about 1/16" (newbie not knowing what to look for..duh). Anyway, they ordered and installed a new front pad, and now I notice that I have an occasional "squeak". Haven't been able to narrow it down to a specific speed, sometimes it'll happen when I'm not even braking, and sometimes it will go away if I apply the front brake.

Is this normal, like a "break-in" period ??

Thanks, love the upgrade to the site !!

[Easy Rider]

Is this normal, like a "break-in" period ??


Well, you are really lucky! A lot of us with stock pads have squeeking on every stop. Really.

I think it's normal break-in. A couple of "firm" applications at speed might help the break-in along a bit.

[patrick_777]

This is very normal, especially after new pads. The pads have wear a little bit to conform to the rotor and some squeakage is possible. A lot of people (myself included) have bikes with squeaky brakes. Mine usually stops squealing after they warm up, but each bike is different.

Just don't put anything on them to try to get them to stop.

:skull:

[trykemike]

Bad Bob has a post which indicated that SBS ceramic pads will work squeak free. I took that advice and replaced my front pads. Now braking is silent.
Check for his post.

[RichInFla]

This is very normal, especially after new pads. The pads have wear a little bit to conform to the rotor and some squeakage is possible. A lot of people (myself included) have bikes with squeaky brakes. Mine usually stops squealing after they warm up, but each bike is different.

Just don't put anything on them to try to get them to stop.

:skull:

Thanks, that makes me feel better. Don't worry Patrick, no "WD-40" here !! :whistle:

[jonathan180iq]

Bad Bob has a post which indicated that SBS ceramic pads will work squeak free. I took that advice and replaced my front pads. Now braking is silent.
Check for his post.

He also later replaced those pads with more SBS pads and the squeaking was evident.
So, they are not a fix all.

Like Pat said, all bikes are different. I have one of those bikes that has never even tried to whisper a squeak from the bakes.

[patrick_777]

Rich, take a look at my ride cam videos (not nearly enough of them :sad: ) and you can hear my brakes squeal. Not every individual bike has this problem, but this really is a "motorcycle" thing. All manufacturers and all makes and models have bikes that squeal their brakes. It's definitely not isolated just to the GZ.

There's absolutely nothing to worry about unless you notice a physical difference in the brakes (fading, jerking, grinding, etc).

[alanmcorcoran]

Any new data on this topic? My brakes were relatively quiet until recently. Now they are pretty squeaky, screechy. I have been taking shorter, more frequent rides, and I do live "in the hills." No loss in braking power, no "grabbiness", no pulsing.

It does seem a little more pronounced at the beginning of the ride, but, it doesn't really go away. I know that infrequently used rotors develop a little tiny rust that can cause temporary squeaks until it is rubbed off, but I don't think that's my problem - my rotor looks pretty smooth.

My main concern is - on my Toyota, the pads had a "squeaky" zone to warn you that they needed to be replaced. Do MC pads have the same? I only have 3200 miles on the bike, but I know from experience, if you live at the top of a steep hill, you will be replacing brake pads far more often than if you live in, say, Iowa or Illinois.

I'm guessing a brake job is not something I want to do myself either.

[music man]

I'm guessing a brake job is not something I want to do myself either.

The front brake pad replacement is not hard at all, I did mine in about 30 minutes and had never done it before, even on a car. I could have probably done it faster but I was taking my time, just to make sure. I have never done the back, when I got a new back tire on mine, I had them do the back brakes while they had the tire off.

[Easy Rider]

My main concern is - on my Toyota, the pads had a "squeaky" zone to warn you that they needed to be replaced. Do MC pads have the same?

I'm guessing a brake job is not something I want to do myself either.

I think the "worn out" squeek happens when you are NOT applying the brakes.

Replacing front pads is really easy.........but there are some "tricks". It can turn into an aw-shit if you don't know the tricks. The other side of that coin is that (most) shops don't charge much to do it; takes about the same time as an oil change.....~10 minutes or so.

Too bad you didn't mention that when it was in for service. The original pads don't have a really long life. Mine went about 6K miles.

[alantf]

Mine went about 6K miles.

You're lucky! I live in the mountains. Every ride starts with a ride down, in a 40 km/hr (25 mph) zone, so I have to use the brakes (engine braking is zilch). I'm lucky to get 3000 miles out of a set of pads.

[alanmcorcoran]

Hmmm, that's right about where I'm at. Friggin' maintenance!