Brake Buzz

[twocool]

Installed new EBC  HH pads on front.  Now have buzz sound when applying brakes.  Not squeal, buzz.

Like..buzzzz zz zz z z  z   z    z  ...goes along with wheel speed.

Consensus among airport mechanics is the sound is from the holes in the rotor passing through the pads.

I searched archives and found several posts to that effect....Supposedly common problem with EBC sintered pads.  Supposed to get less or go away in time.

Any further thoughts / comments?


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[gsJack]

Yep they do that, had it on my first GS when it was new and never heard it before on 4 previous Hondas that had solid rotors.  Haven't always heard it over my 180k GS miles, I think it is most noticeable with new smooth rotors, I put a like new front rotor on a year or two ago and it came back loud and clear with new pads but I've not noticed it again lately.

[rexpepper651]

yeah mine does it too. didnt hear it when my pads was lower got new pads 3 weeks ago and its back. i like it makes me know im braking lol.

[twocool]

Thanks guys.

Some further internet research show that funny noises from drilled brake rotors is common in motorcycles and in cars.   Some say the noise comes fron the holes in the rotor passing the brake pads...while some say that the heat build up causes the air in the hole to expand, then suddenly release once clear of the pad....hmmmm

There is also a lot of talk of whether the drilling actually accomplishes anything.  Some say it actually REDUCES cooling..some say the drilling is only for lighter weight..some say the holes keep things cleaner, a place for the dust to go...some say it considerably weakens the rotor, making places for cracks to start...some say it is simply the "in look"...

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[cbrfxr67]

bzzzzzz

mine too,....never seemed to be anything wrong,...

[twocool]

http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/brakecdrill.html

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[bombsquad83]

http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/brakecdrill.html

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All of that evidence was for vented rotors.  It mentions that motorcycle rotors are solid, unvented rotors.  So my question then is: is there any benefit, cooling or otherwise, to drilling a solid rotor (other than unsprung weight reduction)?

[twocool]

Yeah, I guess they were saying that drilling a bunch of holes defeats the purpose of the vents.

Not too many bikes have rotors without holes anymore...so maybe the holes cool?  Or maybe just style?

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http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/brakecdrill.html

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All of that evidence was for vented rotors.  It mentions that motorcycle rotors are solid, unvented rotors.  So my question then is: is there any benefit, cooling or otherwise, to drilling a solid rotor (other than unsprung weight reduction)?

[burning1]

The holes actually reduce the heat capacity and cooling ability of the rotor. They are there to permit out-gassing of the pads. Carbon-ceramic rotors have no holes. High end waive rotors go to the other extreme.