GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: bargovic on January 11, 2006, 08:14:36 AM

Title: softer brake pads
Post by: bargovic on January 11, 2006, 08:14:36 AM
I want to replace my rear brake pads with softer ones. to hopefully get rid of the low speed squeek that the GS is famous for.

Has anyone done this? and if so what pads dont squeek? I was looking at these EBC  pads, but dunno how to tell what is softer than the stock ones.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=1686&gift=False&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D1677%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CStreet%20Brake%20Pads&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D1678%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CEBC%20Street%20Brake%20Pads&mscssid=B0605056FAB84BED9732B633D7F26DC4
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: annguyen1981 on January 11, 2006, 08:20:38 AM
I've never had my rear brake squeak...  Low or high speeds.  Would getting a new set of pads really help???

I'd imagine that the squeaking occurs under certain weather conditions. :dunno_white:
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: rtcpenguin on January 11, 2006, 09:09:17 AM
Mine squeaks pretty much whenever I use it, regardless of weather. I have no idea what pads are good though....
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: Jake D on January 11, 2006, 09:56:22 AM
I haven't used my rear brake that I can remember.  Cept to take of on a hill.  Dunno.
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: gsmetal on January 11, 2006, 11:57:19 AM
Brake pad squeal is caused by vibration. I would recommend you go to an auto supply store and by some pad anti squeal.
You put this on the back of the pads. This should probably help. You might also try using compressed air to clean all the
brake dust out. It is possible that there is a fair amount of brake dust in your pistons and it might be time for a caliper rebuild (EASY!)
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: natedawg120 on January 11, 2006, 12:22:23 PM
Softer pads might help they might not.  I think that there have been a few people here who have done that only to have them start squeeking again after the pads get broken in.  Mine squeeks when i use it but i choose to deal with it rather then try to fix something that isn't going t harm the bike.

For reference - mine started squeeking right around 2000-2500 miles.
Title: Re: softer break pads
Post by: scratch on January 11, 2006, 12:57:34 PM
Bleeding the brakes may help, but cleaning is your best bet (and then bleed 'em).

The softest brake pads used to be Ferodo; great stoppers, but don't last long, but they are great stoppers! Don't know about nowadays, Galfer may make some.
Title: Re: softer brake pads
Post by: Alphamazing on January 11, 2006, 07:51:59 PM
Mine squeeks too, but it isn't a big deal. I'd say just leave it be.
Title: Re: softer brake pads
Post by: surlybruce on January 12, 2006, 07:16:46 AM
I had bolth brakes squeek at 2000 kms . I just sprayed brake clean on them and fixed my problem.
Title: Re: softer brake pads
Post by: phire on January 12, 2006, 12:37:08 PM
I couldn't even pay the stealership to fix the squeak on my rear brake. They told me pretty much all GS500's are notorious for the rear brake squeal. SO... What I did to help break it in quicker was (when I could and where it was safe) I would hit the rear brake as much as possible and use it as much as possible... Seems to have helped quite a bit over the course of a few weeks and if it just ends up wearing out the brake pad completely before the squeal stops.... oh well. I've also learned to kind of live with it.