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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: NesquikNinja on May 12, 2012, 05:00:09 PM

Title: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: NesquikNinja on May 12, 2012, 05:00:09 PM
My rears were squeaking so I replaced the pads, and it quit for a while.

now it squeaks while I'm slowing down.  Not loud, and I have adequate braking power. All is assembled as it should be and they work wondwrfully.

is it anything to worry about?

thanks in advance.  And I'll be adding off-topic gs pics to this thread from a trip the othr day
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: MVent03 on May 12, 2012, 05:12:23 PM
I'd love to find a real fix to this.

My bike has had the rear brake squeal since I picked it up last year with only 455 miles. Never really bothered me until today.

I rode my bike across the parking lot at work to the sandwich shop. Since it was close and I wasn't going to go any faster than 20 mph, I didn't wear my helmet. The rear brake is SOOO LOUD! It isn't noticable with the helmet on but it is earsplitting without it. I feel sorry for all the cagers that I've stopped next to over this past year.

It's kind of embarassing as well.


My only thoughts on why it's so bad is that it's barely used and never used hard. This allows all kinds of stuff to build up on it and cause that friction squeal.

:dunno_black:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: jestercinti on May 12, 2012, 05:59:43 PM
It's a Suzuki thing.  GSXR models do it too, but only the rear pads squeel.  Not sure what causes it.  Never changed the rear pad yet...I have a ways to go before that happens.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: NesquikNinja on May 12, 2012, 06:00:45 PM
I always use my rear...


and don't EVER EVER EVER feel sorry for cagers  :nono:
:D
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: 89500inPA on May 12, 2012, 06:27:03 PM
You guys are using anti squeel on the pads right? Niether of my brakes squeel at all. I did find a difference between some brands, unfortunatly don't remember which, mabey try another brand. :dunno_black:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 12, 2012, 06:27:18 PM
It's thick, it's black and super gooey, one thin application to the back of the pads and the squeaking is gone for years, yes it's good enough to put an end to "Squeaking Rear Brake" threads.

(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/m77.jpg)
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: MVent03 on May 12, 2012, 07:14:10 PM
Anti-squeal?!! It's a miracle!


Should most auto places have this?

Does it affect grip of the pad to the rotor?
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 12, 2012, 07:19:53 PM
Quote from: MVent03 on May 12, 2012, 07:14:10 PM
Anti-squeal?!! It's a miracle!


Should most auto places have this?

Does it affect grip of the pad to the rotor?
All anti-squeal products are apllied to the back of the pads  :cheers:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: 89500inPA on May 12, 2012, 07:20:15 PM
It is apllied to the BACK of the pad only! Most squeel is vibation related, anti squeel creates a buffer to stop these vibrations. It is at any auto parts store and should be applied whenever brakes are serviced.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 12, 2012, 09:09:23 PM
I thought rear squeal was part n parcel with a GS just one of those things that you put up with.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Kijona on May 12, 2012, 09:49:19 PM
My 02 SV650 squeaks too. LOL
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: mitch79 on May 13, 2012, 02:24:21 AM
My rear brake was the same. I used brake caliper grease on the back of the brake pads and it's been quiet ever since. Make sure it's a high temp grease designed for brakes.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: mister on May 13, 2012, 02:29:12 AM
It's a free bonus from Suzuki. Thank You Suzuki  :woohoo:

Michael
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: pave_spectre on May 13, 2012, 02:33:33 AM
It's there for a good reason. If the squeaking becomes intermittent when you brake then you know you probably have a warped rear rotor :D
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 13, 2012, 02:50:47 AM
It's a free brake function noise from Suzuki.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: MVent03 on May 13, 2012, 07:45:18 AM
Ahh, I see. It's a cager annoyance feature.  :D
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: BockinBboy on May 13, 2012, 08:41:50 AM
Quote from: 89500inPA on May 12, 2012, 06:27:03 PM
You guys are using anti squeel on the pads right? Niether of my brakes squeel at all. I did find a difference between some brands, unfortunatly don't remember which, mabey try another brand. :dunno_black:

I read this and thought it was a sarcastic remark and a fake product. "your brakes squeal eh?, just use anti-squeal!" LOL

My brakes squeal too, this product will change my life!

-Bboy
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: zute72 on May 13, 2012, 09:37:51 AM
Yay!! A possible remedy?!  :woohoo: say it isn't so. I hate that damn noise, but as theater gets warmer, the squeal isn't as loud!
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 13, 2012, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: zute72 on May 13, 2012, 09:37:51 AM
Yay!! A possible remedy?!  :woohoo: say it isn't so. I hate that damn noise, but as theater gets warmer, the squeal isn't as loud!
No possible about it, it is a remedy, 79' GS750's had squeaky front brakes, that is the first bike I remember using Disc Brake Quiet on 33 years ago, now I use the Honda M-77 Paste. Harbor Freight has blister packs of the black goo also.

(http://ts3.mm.bing.net/thumb/get?bid=MlD0%2bUU7cyuOPg&bn=CC&fbid=7wIR63%2bClmj%2b0A&fbn=CC)
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: adidasguy on May 13, 2012, 10:02:12 AM
The squeak is a polite way to let all those clueless bicyclists know you're there without resorting to the horn.  :bs:

The squeak lets you know you're dragging your right foot on the brake lever.  :bs:

The squeak is a dog whistle. It scares dogs away.  :bs:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: MVent03 on May 13, 2012, 12:53:41 PM
I could use the dog whistle feature. I've got a dog that keeps running out Of its yard and trying to eat me on my bike. Not a very big dog, 50# ish, but it's getting really annoying. Thinking about aiming for it next time.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: BaltimoreGS on May 13, 2012, 06:53:28 PM
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on May 12, 2012, 07:19:53 PM
Quote from: MVent03 on May 12, 2012, 07:14:10 PM
Anti-squeal?!! It's a miracle!


Should most auto places have this?

Does it affect grip of the pad to the rotor?
All anti-squeal products are apllied to the back of the pads  :cheers:

Not all actually.  We have a product at work that is applied to the disc to prevent/reduce squeaking.  I have used it on GS discs before with good results  Not sure if it is available outside of a dealer setting though.  I'll put a pic of the stuff below.

And if anybody is looking for the stuff you put on the back of the pads that previous posters were referring to, I have a bunch of that hanging around.  Toyota brake pad shims come with a little packet of the stuff but I have a big can that I use.  I usually end up with a pile of them I throw away if anybody wants them.

-Jessie

Product applied to the disc
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/brak1.jpg)

Cut the label off
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/brak2.jpg)
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Kijona on May 14, 2012, 08:59:17 PM
My favorite term was coined by Adidasguy.

"Musical Rear Brake"
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: SS Adrenaline on May 15, 2012, 05:19:27 AM
If its from vibration could you then make a gasket (rubber or cork) that goes on the back of the pad?  Nothing to thick or anything and the breaks are self adjusting.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Huff1371 on May 15, 2012, 06:22:36 AM
I might be wrong but anything you put on th BACK of the pad would help but would likely be temporary due to the constant thermal changes that happen in brakes. Any auto-parts store will carry something made for the "musical rear brake" haters. The stuff that BaltimoreGS posted is wonderful and I've used it on many different vehicles with success. I did find that it works best after you clean everything really good with brake cleaner. Don't inhale too much or you won't be able to ride for a couple hours :cookoo:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: gsJack on May 15, 2012, 07:41:55 AM
I wasn't hearing any rear brake squeal for a long time on my 02 GS but it had started coming back just a bit recently until I changed the rear tire a month ago and it was gone again.  Had lots of extremely loud annoying rear brake squeal when I got my first GS about 13 years ago.

I'm surprised the rear wheel alignment issue hasn't come up yet in this thread, the squeal is affected by wheel alignment in my opinion and that of quite a few others who experienced it over the years.  Getting your rear wheel aligned perfectly can and has eliminated the squeal for some of us, no need to put that anti squeal stuff on in most cases.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: sledge on May 15, 2012, 02:57:00 PM
Quote from: SS Adrenaline on May 15, 2012, 05:19:27 AM
If its from vibration could you then make a gasket (rubber or cork) that goes on the back of the pad?  Nothing to thick or anything and the breaks are self adjusting.

Noooooo!!!  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Paulcet on May 15, 2012, 06:58:19 PM
Ahh, come on, Sledge!  That's like ABS for what - a few pennies?
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 16, 2012, 10:56:56 AM
Quote from: gsJack on May 15, 2012, 07:41:55 AM
I wasn't hearing any rear brake squeal for a long time on my 02 GS but it had started coming back just a bit recently until I changed the rear tire a month ago and it was gone again.  Had lots of extremely loud annoying rear brake squeal when I got my first GS about 13 years ago.

I'm surprised the rear wheel alignment issue hasn't come up yet in this thread, the squeal is affected by wheel alignment in my opinion and that of quite a few others who experienced it over the years.  Getting your rear wheel aligned perfectly can and has eliminated the squeal for some of us, no need to put that anti squeal stuff on in most cases.
When they make noise with perfect alignment, Goo is the answer, Goo fixed the squeal from the front of my 79' GS750, front wheels are always aligned correctly  :thumb: 
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: gsJack on May 16, 2012, 11:33:14 AM
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on May 16, 2012, 10:56:56 AM
Quote from: gsJack on May 15, 2012, 07:41:55 AM
I wasn't hearing any rear brake squeal for a long time on my 02 GS but it had started coming back just a bit recently until I changed the rear tire a month ago and it was gone again.  Had lots of extremely loud annoying rear brake squeal when I got my first GS about 13 years ago.

I'm surprised the rear wheel alignment issue hasn't come up yet in this thread, the squeal is affected by wheel alignment in my opinion and that of quite a few others who experienced it over the years.  Getting your rear wheel aligned perfectly can and has eliminated the squeal for some of us, no need to put that anti squeal stuff on in most cases.
When they make noise with perfect alignment, Goo is the answer, Goo fixed the squeal from the front of my 79' GS750, front wheels are always aligned correctly  :thumb:

I fixed the front brakes on my CB750K and CB650SC bikes with a switch to EBC Kevlar pads which were advertised to eliminate brake squeal back then.  The EBC Organic pads didn't help the GS500 rear brakes though.

Front wheels are not aligned perfectly with the calipers bolted to the forks and the discs bolted to the wheels and the tolerance stackups involved between the two.  This has been handled on the GS by use of pin sliders for the caliper and a semi floating disc and I've had no brake squeal problems at all on the front.

Actually by design it's the GS rear that should remain in good alignment between the disc and the caliper.  The caliper is mounted to a bracket that is mounted to the axle so the caliper in theory will turn with the axle adjustments staying aligned with the wheel/disc.  In practice however it doesn't quite work out this way and there has been much discussion and dissagreement here over the years on this subject.  I'll search a bit later on past posts again, took a quick look at some of them yesterday by searching for rear brake squeal posts by gsjack.  They go back 7-8 years I think. Going riding now on my squeal free GS.   :icon_lol:
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on May 16, 2012, 11:48:31 AM
I tried sanding the pads on my GS750, wiping down the rotors with naphtha/acetone(?) changing the pads to a Vesrah  pads (can't remember what type, it was 33 years ago) blowing the calipers out with compressed air, everything I did worked, but only for a short time  :dunno_black:
In the end Goobering up the back of the pads was the only thing that worked for any length of time...lasted for about a year If I remember correctly? 
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: coasternuts on May 16, 2012, 11:51:14 AM
I too also have the squeal.  However I notice it more dependent on the level of stopping.  Nice slow ease into the stop doesn't seem as bad.
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: BaltimoreGS on May 16, 2012, 02:59:33 PM
As I mentioned before I have a bunch of that stuff you put on the back side of the pad leftover from brake jobs at work, let me know if any of you want some before it ends up in the trash bin.

-Jessie

(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/shimgrease.jpg)
Title: Re: Why are my brakes squeaking?
Post by: MVent03 on May 17, 2012, 08:40:35 AM
Quote from: coasternuts on May 16, 2012, 11:51:14 AM
I too also have the squeal.  However I notice it more dependent on the level of stopping.  Nice slow ease into the stop doesn't seem as bad.

My squeal is only noticeable on lighter, slow speed braking. usually under 15mph when I'm coming to a casual stop at a light or stop sign.

Hard braking makes no noise until I start to lift.


Just to try it, I put the bike in 1st, got up to about 10mph, eased on to the rear brake fairly hard while maintaining my speed with the throttle. Basically I was trying to "scrub" any junk that might be on the rear pads or rotor. I know, this isn't a good fix.

So far I haven't had any squealing after several stops that would have normally caused the squeal.