Brakes buzzing/humming? Not sure if it's a problem or not

Kokopellian · December 10, 2003, 08:36:39 PM

I tried doing a search on this, however, since I don't know what I'm looking for or what this could be I figured I'd post this topic. I rode my bike today for a little while, and when I was braking I heard a sort of buzzing or humming sound coming from or near the black box mounted near the brake handle. I'm pretty sure it's the master cylinder. Anyway, the sound didn't affect the braking, it was just an annoying buzz and if it's an indicator of a problem to come I want to have it fixed before it goes out and I don't have front brakes! Could it be that the brake fluid needs changing or that it's low? I was also thinking that the line may need to be purged because of air in the lines? I'm just speculating. Any help/ideas would be appreciated.

BTW, my bike is a 93' GS500E, I bought it used, however, it runs great and it's been tuned up and passed inspection. It was about 48-50 degrees outside.

glenn9171 · December 10, 2003, 08:39:00 PM

If the fluid has never been changed, it's about time to do so on a '93 model. Does yours have the little window to see the fluid level to tell if it is low? Hold the bike upright and see where the level is compared to the full mark.

Kerry · December 10, 2003, 08:45:19 PM

glenn9171 is right about checking the brake fluid. If it's dark it's old and needs to go.

But that's not related to the "buzz" you're hearing. That is a perfectly normal sound caused by the brake pads skimming over the holes drilled in the rotor. You probably can't hear it unless you're going slow, right? (Because of wind/engine noise.)

If the pads are fairly new you may find that the noise disappears over time as the pads get "worn in". But even if the sound persists it will become part of your psyche and eventually you'll have to really pay attention to hear it.

Kokopellian · December 10, 2003, 08:45:32 PM

Quote from: glenn9171If the fluid has never been changed, it's about time to do so on a '93 model. Does yours have the little window to see the fluid level to tell if it is low? Hold the bike upright and see where the level is compared to the full mark.

I think the fluid has been changed before, not sure though since I bought it used. It does have a little window albeit a little foggy. I can see the fluid though and it looks too clear to me. Isn't brake fluid is supposed to be reddish? Do motorcycles use the same fluid as cars? I don't have a manual yet, but it's on order and I'm expecting it any day now.

Kerry · December 10, 2003, 08:46:46 PM

All the brake fluid I've used has been clear - when it's new....

You're looking for DOT 4 brake fluid, like it says on the filler cap above that sight window. But it doesn't sound like you need to change the fluid to me.

Kokopellian · December 10, 2003, 09:03:03 PM

Wow! Okay then, from what you guys are saying it sounds pretty normal. My fluid is clear, and it's full. When I got it tuned up and road ready the mechanic (very trustworthy guy) changed all the fluids and did the inspection and installed new brake pads. Kerry you're right. I was moving at low speeds. Since I'm still learning to ride I haven't gone above 35mph. Like I said, it doesn't seem to affect my braking. Thanks Glenn and Kerry! Man, I swear this site RULES!

Jundie · December 11, 2003, 04:16:07 AM

I've noticed it as well, but it only happens when braking very hard, when I go out to have some fun and braking hard before a bend, I hear this buzz. otherwise nothing

scratch · December 11, 2003, 08:47:08 AM

And you have plenty of brake pad left, yes?

JohNLA · December 11, 2003, 09:32:24 AM

My stock pads were silent. The EBC replacements are definatly louder but not real loud. The Kevlars were louder than the double-H(sintered) but I think the Kevlar pads I tried might have been defective since I only got 2000 miles out of them.

Jundie · December 11, 2003, 01:15:44 PM

Ichecked my brakes about 1000km ago, disc, pads, fluid all is well and I believe I've got standard pads, not sure though.

Rema1000 · December 11, 2003, 03:49:52 PM

Quote from: glenn9171Does yours have the little window to see the fluid level to tell if it is low?

I don't know if I'd trust the sight glass completely. I was changing fluid for the first time, and figured I'd pump away until the glass was near-empty, then add more... the level in the sight glass dropped down to about half-way, then stayed there, until I felt that "pumping air" feeling :x . I opened the top of the reservoir, and it was empty, but I could still see some fluid in the sight glass. It's like there's a little pocket against the sight glass.

Anyways, if you change fluid, just take the top off the reservoir first thing.

Also, my new fluid (NAPA Auto Parts DOT4) is slightly yellowish looking, not completely clear. Hope they didn't give me their shelf-life-tester bottle. Then again, I think the bike had the original brake fluid from 1992, so it can't be any worse.

scratch · December 12, 2003, 09:18:46 AM

Quote from: JundieIchecked my brakes about 1000km ago, disc, pads, fluid all is well and I believe I've got standard pads, not sure though.

As long as you have enough pad, cool!

scratch · December 12, 2003, 09:21:18 AM

Quote from: Rema1000Also, my new fluid (NAPA Auto Parts DOT4) is slightly yellowish looking, not completely clear. Hope they didn't give me their shelf-life-tester bottle. Then again, I think the bike had the original brake fluid from 1992, so it can't be any worse.

As long as it is transparent, and not dark brown to the point where it's not even translucent, or cloudy.

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Brakes buzzing/humming? Not sure if it's a problem or not