Front brake dragging

[Pete7874]

It seems like the front brake is dragging a little... when in neutral and I push the bike, I can distinctly hear hissing/metallic rubbing noise from the front... sounds like the brake is not fully release. Is there some adjustment on the caliper that can be made to push the pads a little away from the disc or is this normal?

I haven't been able to lift the front wheel yet to see how bad it really is. I'd need to find a way to elevate the front end to do this...

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

I can distinctly hear hissing/metallic rubbing noise from the front

Without seeing/hearing, it sounds like your pads are ready for replacement. Better to be safe than sorry, so before you ride again, check them for wear, or let the shop check them. There is NO adjustment on them. Remember, you'll probably get MUCH less mileage out of a set of brake pads on the GZ than you would from your car. I can't really think of any other reason for the "metallic rubbing noise" than pads that are worn down to the metal. If you continue riding (and they are worn down) two NASTY things will happen (1) Your braking will be MUCH less efficient (2) You'll damage the brake disc.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

or is this normal?

[edit] Yea.....what alan said !! :biggrin:

No, there is no adjustment and it is normal for the pads to touch the rotor very lightly.

BUT since you noticed it, you should have the pads checked; they may need to be replaced.
I think my originals lasted around 5K miles.

For light duty wheel/chain maintenance, I have found that a scissor jack from the junk yard works good. You can use the other wheel, side stand and scissor jack (properly positioned) to get one wheel at a time off the ground. That is NOT a good way to remove the wheels, however.

[Pete7874]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

You can use the other wheel, side stand and scissor jack (properly positioned)

Thanks guys. Where would I position the jack exactly? I have a 2.25 ton Craftsman jack that I use on my car.

Visually, the pads still have some life in them. 4300 miles right now.

The sound is just light rubbing, not screeching or anything... a little muffled.

[Sarris]

Disk brake pads are always in contact with the rotor and you will hear a muffled rubbing. That is normal.

There should be no metallic grinding or loud noises. It sounds like your noise is more than likely normal.

You might try hosing them out, as sometimes they'll pick up some grit and get a little louder.

Just be careful because they won't work well on the first couple of stops until they dry out.

[dhgeyer]

If the pads are actually worn through, you'll hear a very bad sound when the brakes are applied when riding. If it's just a slight rubbing when the engine is off and you push the bike, that's absolutely normal. The pads are always in contact with the disk. Sometimes, like Sarris says, they'll screech almost like they need replacement just from some grit getting in there. It's so easy to check the pad thickness, there's no reason not to look up how to do it, and put your mind at ease. You don't have to turn any wrenches. You just have to know what to look for, and it's a visual check.

[edit] I just tried checking mine, and found that it is much easier to see the outside pad with a small flashlight and a hand held mirror. It can be done.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

Where would I position the jack exactly?

You position the jack on the frame, near to the wheel you want to lift.
In this case, near the front......so that it forms a triangle with the side stand and the rear wheel.
The pad on your car jack might be too big to fit where you need it to go.
Don't lift any higher than needed; the higher you go, the more unstable it gets.

Good suggestion about washing out the pads too.

[alantf]

I remember once getting grit in the pads. That made a scuffing sound. When I got the bike into the garage to take the piston apart, I had to reverse it to get it under the fluorescent light. Purely by luck, out popped the grit (or I'm assuming it did, because the grating disappeared) Try Pushing the bike back, & see if it works for you. :2tup:

[5th_bike]

Metallic rubbing, that sounds like you need new pads. Mine lasted about 6,800 miles. I had never touched brake pads, but it's not very hard to change them. I flushed the brake fluid at the same time.

If they have worn unevenly, you may also need a little silicone grease on the guide pins - read all about it here: http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewt...p=36774#p36774

[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!