Singing front disc brake

[toyopete]

As promised I would keep yours updated concerning the new brake pads, ( fisher iron pads )
Ime having them for 2 weeks now, and they are much much better than standard,
now a funny thing happened.
my former SV 1000 was "singing" as I hit the brakes.  I was kind of missing this sound and  to my surprise my GS started singing too some days ago,.
according to the local mecanic here the holes in the disc are the cause of this sound,.. but then the holes where there all the time  I mean the other pads did not produce this sound.
anyway the brakes are stronger than ever no need for an extra disk
Ime happy

[Kerry]

It's probably a result of the pads needing to "wear in" ... or to "wear down" to the point where the contact between rotor and pad is more uniform.

But that's just a guess. 

[ohgood]

"New" pads don't do it here. They seem to need to seat (wear in to match the rotors) before there is any singing.

Also, go for a spin, brake very lightly on the front. Any angelic voices ?

Now go for a spin, and heat them up good. Some 70-0 E-stop practices should do it. NOW they're whistlin dixie.

The brake disc expands, as do the pads with the heat. Things stay a little closer, the air is 'sliced' if you will between the pads and the disc.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it.

[Lukewarm Wilson]

Try putting a light smear of rubber grease or some other grease on the back of the pads singing usally  comes from pads vibrating in its caliper mounts that should fix it or at least tone it down a bit

[highnoonhunter]

Don't know if this would or could be your problem, but a month or so ago I was cleaning up my bike. My wife had bought some of that new Silicone spray stuff that replaces old fashioned paste wax. I think it's made by Lucas. Anywho, the stuff is really great for a bike because you can just spray it about anywhere, while the bike is wet or dry, and make it look sa purty.
I was careful not to spray the seat, but I wasn't paying attention and sprayed my rear rotor while spraying the rear wheel. I worried it would be slick, and my brakes wouldn't grab. It brakes fine, but:

It's been screaming like a banshee every time I use my rear brake since getting that stuff on there.

I figured it would have worn off by now, but it still does it.

hnh

[ohgood]

highnoonhunter -


Are you sure you have braking material left back there ? You may be using the metal from the pads. It makes a good bit of noise when you do

[toyopete]

Don't know if this would or could be your problem, but a month or so ago I was cleaning up my bike. My wife had bought some of that new Silicone spray stuff that replaces old fashioned paste wax. I think it's made by Lucas. Anywho, the stuff is really great for a bike because you can just spray it about anywhere, while the bike is wet or dry, and make it look sa purty.
I was careful not to spray the seat, but I wasn't paying attention and sprayed my rear rotor while spraying the rear wheel. I worried it would be slick, and my brakes wouldn't grab. It brakes fine, but:

It's been screaming like a banshee every time I use my rear brake since getting that stuff on there.

I figured it would have worn off by now, but it still does it.

hnh

Take some thinner ( carpaint diluant ) on a cloth and turn the wheel  hold the cloth on to the disk, it will take of any residue of silicone or wax. of course clean both sides of the disk.
let me know.

[highnoonhunter]

highnoonhunter -


Are you sure you have braking material left back there ? You may be using the metal from the pads. It makes a good bit of noise when you do

Yep, plenty of pad left. I rarely use my rear brake, and I only have around 2000 miles on my bike. But that's exactly the sound it makes; as if the pads are gone!

hnh

[highnoonhunter]

Take some thinner ( carpaint diluant ) on a cloth and turn the wheel  hold the cloth on to the disk, it will take of any residue of silicone or wax. of course clean both sides of the disk.
let me know.

Thanks toyopete,

I'll give that a try in just a few minutes and I'll see if it helps.

hnh

[dgyver]

I always use a scotchbright pad to clean the rotor when I change pads.

[toyopete]

highnoonhunter -


Are you sure you have braking material left back there ? You may be using the metal from the pads. It makes a good bit of noise when you do

Oh yes the pads are brand new ( 2 weeks old )  actually I don't mind the siniging, it it makes me feel confident that al's working.

[highnoonhunter]

My brake still screams when I apply it after claening my rotor. The pads musta absorbed the spray.

hnh

[toyopete]

My brake still screams when I apply it after claening my rotor. The pads musta absorbed the spray.

hnh

Ime afraid that you have to take the pads out and clean them as well with thinner. in the beginning my frontfork was leaking on the frontdisk,  after cleaning it all out changing the oil too still did not improve the braking,  only after changing the pads it was alright .I think the pads are capable of absorbing silicon and oil,..