Front brake dragging

[bonehead]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

After a second more detailed inspection, it does look like my pads are just about shot. Will be placing an order for new ones now... should I stick with OEM ones or is there something better aftermarket?

Thanks!

Most on line parts houses will be cheaper than going to the dealers.

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

should I stick with OEM ones or is there something better aftermarket?

Regarding OEM, AFAIK Suzuki doesn't even make brake pads themselves... online they were about $30, but my dealer charged $31 and some change. A better deal than (online + shipping).

[Purpledrank]

Mine makes the same noise while I'm riding in gear without the brakes being engaged. It sounds like metal scraping/rubbing. I only have 2280 miles on mine which is why I ask. Do you guys think the pads could be bad after 2280 miles?

[blaine]

Originally Posted by Purpledrank

Mine makes the same noise while I'm riding in gear without the brakes being engaged. It sounds like metal scraping/rubbing. I only have 2280 miles on mine which is why I ask. Do you guys think the pads could be bad after 2280 miles?

Brake pads should last longer than 2300 miles.You can check if pads are wore by visual inspection.If pads are wore out I would be looking for a sticking caliber,or caliber not sliding on the pins.

:itsokay:

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by Purpledrank

... sounds like metal scraping/rubbing. I only have 2280 miles on mine ...

They could be worn already after 2280 miles, for instance if you do almost exclusively city driving, from traffic light to traffic light. Especially when it's hilly. I remember alantf also saying his pads don't last long because of a long downhill with a low speed limit around where he lives.

The metal scraping is a sure sign of a worn pad. If they have worn unevenly, check the link to a thread in my previous post.

[Purpledrank]

Well, I'm not sure what worn motorcycle pads should look like...here is a picture of mine. Looks good?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Purpledrank

Well, I'm not sure what worn motorcycle pads should look like...here is a picture of mine. Looks good?

Wow.....good pic.....but no, I don't think they look good at all.

Notice the metal tabs that holds the actual pad in place.
The pads should be thicker than those tabs.....at the very least.

I think that's a good example of pads that are just about shot.....as the metal tabs will be rubbing the rotor anytime now.

[5th_bike]

Well, you can see the shim, the really thin metal plate, save those (left and right) for the next set of pads. Then, the thicker metal plate behind it is the metal back plate of the brake pad. The actual brake pad you can't see here, it is behind it, against the rotor. Because the seems to be a little distance between the metal plate and the rotor, this one looks like there is just a little bit left. New brake pads have about 3-4 mm (1/8"). How does the other side look like ?

You will get the metal grind sound if either brake pad is worn on the front or back. This one could be worn at the back.

[blaine]

No.Your pads are worn out.Notice the metal tabs touching the rotor,that is the noise you are hearing.If you look closely you can see metal dust on the leading edge of the pad.
:cool: :roll:

[Purpledrank]

Alright. Thanks guys! I will be doing both back and front brakes next weekend. I figured I'd do both just to be safe. I hear noise from both ends anyway.