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Message started by Andy Jamison on 06/03/05 at 06:04:13

Title: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Andy Jamison on 06/03/05 at 06:04:13

;D

Can anybody give any suggestions on curing a squeaking front brake ?? It's been squeaking since day 1 about a year ago. Thanks for any help.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Savage_Rob on 06/03/05 at 06:18:03

If you haven't done it already, try a few hard and fast stops (not in traffic). Definitely check the wear on the pads. Changing them may well be about the simplest maintenance task on this bike - even simpler than changing the headlight bulb.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by DavidV on 06/03/05 at 08:10:27

Somebody here mentioned greasing the back side of the pads to stop the squeal. I've also heard of using duct tape, and seen what looked like thick aluminum tape provided with new pads.

Here's an SBS item that looks like the right stuff. It's at DennisKirk.com under part # 191268. For eight bucks it's worth a shot.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by WD on 06/03/05 at 08:43:55

Change the pads, sometimes they leave the factory with, for lack of a better term, gunk imbedded in them. Some end up being the wrong compound as well. Try an Emgo or EBC os SBS set, all are better quality than the OEM units.

Grease the back of the pads, and I also lightly grease the slider pin (the long allen screw). I know, you shouldn't grease the pin...but the brakes sure work better if you do.
-WD

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Greg_650 on 06/03/05 at 09:32:57

DavidV wrote:

You mean using some brake squeal grease. That helps by absorbing vibration, but the biggest thing is that brake squeal is caused by unequal contact of the brake pads with the rotor. The common causes are....dirt, oil and grease on the rotor, glazed pads, or an uncentered caliper (as WD mentions).

As Rob mentions, a few hard stops with the front brake will sometimes help to recenter the caliper on the rotor. Clamping down tightly is an effort to try to move the cailper on those sliding pins.

Start by cleaning the rotor with a non-oily solvent. If that doesn't help, pull the caliper off, clean it, lightly grease the pins, sand any glaze off the pads, and apply anti-squeal grease to the backsides. Reassemble.

If you do any or all of the above, you should have no more squeal.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Jamo on 06/03/05 at 11:01:41

Thanks Everbody for the answers - I'll give it a try

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by klx650sm2002 on 06/04/05 at 01:51:01

I also take the paint of the back of the pads.

Clive W :D

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by CHRIS on 06/04/05 at 18:17:45

THIS I'M SURE I CAN HELP YOU WITH!!! FROM THE FACTORY SUZUKI PUTS COSMOLEAN (THE SAME THING THAT'S ON YOU GUNS WHEN YOU BUY THEM) ON THE ROTORS TO KEEP THEM FROM RUSTING WHILE THERE IN THE CRATE WAITING TO BE PUT TOGETHER. IF THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT USE A BRAKE CLEANER OR SOMETHING LIKE IT TO CLEAN IT OFF IT WILL GET IT TO THE PADS AND BASICALLY RUIN THEM. ONCE THEY START SQUEALING THEY'RE SHOT. WHEN YOU BUY A NEW SET OF PADS MAKE SURE TO PICK UP A CAN OF BRAKE CLEANER ALSO AND WIPE DOWN THE ROTORS BEFORE YOU PUT THE NEW ONES ON OR YOU'LL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ALL OVER AGAIN, IT JUST MAY TAKE A LITTLE LONGER THIS TIME.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Greg_650 on 06/05/05 at 06:18:13

CHRIS wrote:

That's a good point...especially since I'm reading about this problem more from people with new bikes under 1000 miles.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Paula71 on 06/06/05 at 21:58:23

This is good to know. I have only had my s40 for about 5-6 weeks. And that front brake squeals a lot. I was told that single disc brake will "just do that". I think will definetely be looking into it more now.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Reelthing on 06/07/05 at 14:57:26

Paula71 wrote:

Hey Paula,
just as a control test - pull the pads (it's very very easy to do) - i think we have pictures in the tech section - take some about 200 grit sand paper (give or take 20) and sand the surface of the pads, put a little anti squeal grease on the back of the pad and pop them back in - 15 minutes tops - it be would interesting to know how long this stops it - might not be a bad idea to wipe down the rotor with something when your done - like charcoal lighter on a rag.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Paula71 on 06/08/05 at 19:19:52

Okay here is my update, my husband sanded down the pads with around 80 grit sandpaper then sprayed down with disc brake quiet. Also wiped down the rotor with brake cleaner. I of course sat on the bike holding it steady and making sure he was doing it correctly ;D

Seemed to have fixed the squeal, longer ride tomorrow, we will see. I'll keep you posted if and when the mouse returns to its home in the front spokes. ;D

Thanx for the suggestion reelthing.

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Reelthing on 06/08/05 at 20:16:41

Disc brake quite - the spray blue or red sticky stuff?

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Paula71 on 06/09/05 at 13:00:55

ReelThing,, the spray blue was used. After riding today I have to say that front brake works a whole lot different too. I must have had to really grap that thing before now just a touch and it stops , like right now. The bike bounces on the front forks when you apply the front brake. It was not doing that before. I hope this is a good thing :) It feels good and the squeal is gone. Now no one can hear me braking 2 miles away ;D

Title: Re: Squeaky Front Brake is Killin me
Post by Reelthing on 06/09/05 at 14:36:41

Cool, sounds like you got it hooking up proper - I was just wondering on the sticky stuff - It dosen't seem to last very long on a bike disc as compared to an auto - be fun to see how much time/miles you get a quite ride.