Question for the experts on front brake issue

[GZBrian]

Hello. I changed out my front brake pads this weekend, and I am getting a squeaking noise from the front brake, with the brake off. Once you depress the lever, the noise stops. No metal is rubbing, that I can see, and everything looks good. I cleaned everythign up real good before installing the new pads, and I did grease the caliper rods as well. The old pads were EBC-FA106X, and the new brakes are EBC-FA106. I put about 200 miles on them and still have the same issue. Is this normal for new FA106 brakes? I was thinking there might be a hard spot on the pad, but I am not sure. The pads seem to retract when you release the lever, so I am at loss. I know next time I replace the pads, I will use the FA106X. HELP!!!!! Thank you. GZBrian

[alantf]

You DID remove the anti squeal shims off the old pads, & refit them to the new pads, right???????????

[GZBrian]

Mine had metal shims with what looked like some kind of rubber coating, or somehting like that on the side that goes against the brade pad. If you mean that, then yes, I did. I saw an earlier post that said something about a black plastic thing, but mine did not have that. Again with the other brake pads (FA106x), I had no noise. I carefully removed everything from the caliper when taking the pads out so I did not lose antyhing, and nothing plastic was there. Everything had a lot of brake dust on it, and I cleaned it all up good with soapy water and then brake cleaner. When I first tried the brake cleaner, it did not work to good on some ground in black junk. I did not get any water in around the piston, and the piston does not seem to be sticking that I can tell. I am thinking maybe the FA106 pads are harder material but I am not sure. Anything else you can think of? Thanks, GZBrian.

[alantf]

From what you said, that the squeak goes away when you apply the brake, it seems that the squeal is caused by the pads rubbing lightly against the disc. They're supposed to do that, but the anti squeal shims are to stop the squeal that this causes. I still think that that is your problem. It might pay you to remove the pads again, & check that everything is fitted correctly. The shims hold the pads firmly against the disc. :2tup:

[GZBrian]

I got my answer. My dealer told me that the brakes I installed (EBC FA106) have a resin compound that needs to be worn off before the actual brake pad itself can wear in. He said it could take 200 to 800 miles depending on how I ride. Installed the squeak masters Saturday, and today they are almost completely quiet. He said the resin thickness can vary from brake to brake, so I think this might help others that have the same concerns that I had when they install new brakes and they squeak. I put on about 400 miles so far, so I think he was right. Thanks, GZBrian.

[Water Warrior 2]

A very light sand blasting of the new pads would remove the resin before installation and speed up the break in period.