how to fix your brake noise

[hondaman]

got tired of brp and there new brake pads that are on backorder.The pad lube they wanted to do is B.S.
So I fixed it myself,I cut down both ends of the pads,I just cut one side on this pad to show.I cut down all 4 pads on both ends,its not enough for the pad life but will last for 5k or so.This is nothing new,we have done this for years at work.Did a 30 mile test drive and no more noise,just did the front 90% gone.now has a little from the ....rear........

[pphantom538]

How'd you get the spider in the pic to sit still?

P

[Magic Man]

How'd you get the spider in the pic to sit still?

P

Because it's a "Spyder brake" and it has to stop.

MM

[bone crusher]

got tired of brp and there new brake pads that are on backorder.The pad lube they wanted to do is B.S.
So I fixed it myself,I cut down both ends of the pads,I just cut one side on this pad to show.I cut down all 4 pads on both ends,its not enough for the pad life but will last for 5k or so.This is nothing new,we have done this for years at work.Did a 30 mile test drive and no more noise,just did the front 90% gone.now has a little from the ....rear........

I don't mind the squeaking anymore...it's minimal and an occasional fast start/stop reduces for a good amount of time...plus, the more people that hear me, the better...

If you don't want noise, go with organic brake pads..you'll have to replace them a lot though.

I think my old bmw has had metallic pads on for almost 8 years now without a concern...the harder, the better...they might squeak more, but they provide better braking power. As far as the rotors wearing out faster, I haven't seen that but it makes sense that harder pads could adversely affect them.

I'll stick to my semi-metallic BRP pads, for now...if there's a better after-market option, I'll go for them when the time presents....

[garganos]

We have not had any problems getting the brake pads. I keep 4 sets in stock (of the softer pad). I have found that beveling the leading edge of each pad & using the anti-squeal gel (not the aerosol) reduces the noise considerably. It only takes about a 1/16" - 1/8" bevel to reduce the noise.

[Twodog185]

A solution that doesn't require modifying the pad itself.

Remove pads. Where the pads show wear from calipers, put 3M VHB tape.

I have 7400 miles and no break noise.

[NancysToy]

We have not had any problems getting the brake pads. I keep 4 sets in stock (of the softer pad). I have found that beveling the leading edge of each pad & using the anti-squeal gel (not the aerosol) reduces the noise considerably. It only takes about a 1/16" - 1/8" bevel to reduce the noise.

A solution that doesn't require modifying the pad itself.

Remove pads. Where the pads show wear from calipers, put 3M VHB tape.

I have 7400 miles and no break noise.

Both good tips. Thanks!
-Scotty

[Tom in NM]

When my brakes squeak I set the parking brake about 3 clicks and slowly (no more than 5mph) backup about the length of the Spyder and then slowly go forward. Release the parking brake. Test brakes - No more squeak.

I did this with another rider's Spyder - his squeaks were truly SQUEALS, and had been going on for weeks - it took doing the above twice, but it worked.

Simple. No dis-assembly required. Quick. No chemicals. Safe. No high speeds. No costs. Easy. No tools. Immediate relief and satisfaction.

If you can shift into reverse & first gears and know how to apply & release the parking brake, YOU CAN DO THIS.

Kids, TRY this at home or on any paved surface.

Tom

[carbolic]

Thanks Tom for a great fix- I just had the warranty replacement pads put on and damn if the thing didn't then squeal like a stuck pig rolling along WITHOUT applying the break. Figured they were adjusted down a little tight- Tried your fix and now, "SSHHhhhhhh..."
Let's hope that it last a while!

When my brakes squeak I set the parking brake about 3 clicks and slowly (no more than 5mph) backup about the length of the Spyder and then slowly go forward. Release the parking brake. Test brakes - No more squeak.

I did this with another rider's Spyder - his squeaks were truly SQUEALS, and had been going on for weeks - it took doing the above twice, but it worked.

Simple. No dis-assembly required. Quick. No chemicals. Safe. No high speeds. No costs. Easy. No tools. Immediate relief and satisfaction.

If you can shift into reverse & first gears and know how to apply & release the parking brake, YOU CAN DO THIS.

Kids, TRY this at home or on any paved surface.

Tom

[Smylinacha]

Mine don't squeak or squeal much anymore. Only time I notice is in very humid weather and when I first start it and go. After the one initial squeaky stop at the end of the driveway, I'm good to go! All I did was jam on them after going fast.

[Zerocool]

Took my rear brake pads off about 400 miles ago. Cleaned them AND the rails they mount on, greased the backs with high-temp brake grease, and adjusted them and the parking brake according to the manual.

0% squeak, 0% squeal.

Funny thing. I can now hear a REALLY soft squeak in the front brakes that's barely noticeable over the engine idle... I'll get rid of that when I change the pads out.

Point is... I didn't do anything fancy. Just eliminated the dirt and the vibration on the pads.

[Tom in NM]

Thanks Tom for a great fix- I just had the warranty replacement pads put on and damn if the thing didn't then squeal like a stuck pig rolling along WITHOUT applying the break. Figured they were adjusted down a little tight- Tried your fix and now, "SSHHhhhhhh..."
Let's hope that it last a while!

. . . . but it will probably come back.

The squeaking and squealing is usually caused by dirt and brake dust caking up on the brake pads. When you apply the brakes, all that dust gets compacted and the brake pad surface becomes smooth and on contact with the brake disc it makes the disc resonate. ( like running your finger across a clean window or plate )

New brake pads are usually coated with a substance that quickly wears off and can become part of this dust collection. Driving through water or washing the wheels can also aggravate the problem.

Backing up and going forward with the brakes on, seems to break up the layer of dust and expose enough of the brake pad to keep the disc from resonating and stop the noise. For most people, their normal driving habits include this routine as a daily part of driving and maneuvering the Spyder around and they never hear the squeal or it suddenly stops. But occasionally, the pads get a layer of dust that take something a little extra to dislodge the build-up.

You can also use the footbrake, but that takes a little more control and finesse.

Enjoy your quiet ride.
Tom

[Putt-Putt]

I used the CRC anti brake squeel and works great, no more squeel. But there is a problem every time I get caught in the rain the squeel comes back. I going to try the beveling the edge of the pads to see if that works.

[jedd]

Nice fix and idea, I used a BG prouduct used by GM in the late 80s' called BG brake stop squeal, it is in a small bottle put it on the pad surface let set for 15 minutes and ready for use. If interested most all GM dealerships are BG shops go to parts dept. and ask for a bottle of BG Stop Squeal it is not normally sold over the counter but most all dealers will.
Stop Squeal Service
Problem:
Brakes that squeal and grind are annoying and need to be quieted or replaced.

Solution:
First, a complete inspection is done to determine the condition of the brake pads, rotors and drums. Worn brake parts are replaced, the calipers are lubricated and a special treatment is added to the pads to prevent squealing. This service will give you peace of mind and a lot less noise every time you stop.

Sanding brake pad.Treating brake pads.

it works also www.bgfindashop.com can help you find a outlet

[BLACK WIDOW]

When my brakes squeak I set the parking brake about 3 clicks and slowly (no more than 5mph) backup about the length of the Spyder and then slowly go forward. Release the parking brake. Test brakes - No more squeak.

I did this with another rider's Spyder - his squeaks were truly SQUEALS, and had been going on for weeks - it took doing the above twice, but it worked.

Simple. No dis-assembly required. Quick. No chemicals. Safe. No high speeds. No costs. Easy. No tools. Immediate relief and satisfaction.

If you can shift into reverse & first gears and know how to apply & release the parking brake, YOU CAN DO THIS.

Kids, TRY this at home or on any paved surface.

Tom

Tom, I was hoping your fix would work for me so I not only tried it once but several times. STILL SQUEALS LIKE A OWL IN HEAT.

[DynamoBT]

I tried it today too. Squeak still present. But I sort of don't care. I will try it again. It's easy to do every time I take the Spyder out of the garage. There is hope.

[Tom in NM]

Tom, I was hoping your fix would work for me so I not only tried it once but several times. STILL SQUEALS LIKE A OWL IN HEAT.

. . . . . it just shows that no one thing works for everybody all the time.

Two recommendations;
1) Try doing the backwards and forwards maneuver using the footbrake. As I said, it takes a littler more control finesse, but that will also "treat" the front wheels, where the Parking Brake only engages the rear brake. The front discs are smaller and the squeak/squeal coming from them is usually higher in pitch than the larger rear brake disc. If that does not work, it sounds like one of the more intensive solutions other have recommended is in your future.

2) Have you checked for owls?

I hope you get this resolved one way or the other, I agree, it can drive you nuts.

Tom

[BLACK WIDOW]

. . . . . it just shows that no one thing works for everybody all the time.

Two recommendations;
1) Try doing the backwards and forwards maneuver using the footbrake. As I said, it takes a littler more control finesse, but that will also "treat" the front wheels, where the Parking Brake only engages the rear brake. The front discs are smaller and the squeak/squeal coming from them is usually higher in pitch than the larger rear brake disc. If that does not work, it sounds like one of the more intensive solutions other have recommended is in your future.

2) Have you checked for owls?

I hope you get this resolved one way or the other, I agree, it can drive you nuts.

Tom

AHH YES, I WILL TRY THAT--SHOULD BE A SNAP--GOT MORE FINESSE THAN BRAINS
BTW, We have a lot of Owls in Oklahoma and now I know why I see all those owls following me when I ride the Spyder (kinda scary)

[krb1945]

I've used this stop squeal paste for years on all brake pads and it has not failed me once. The reason for the squeal is the pad is vibrating on the back plate when cold. If you set the brake 3 clicks it heats the pad up quicker which expands everything and this is why they stop squealing. In other words they expand so much with the heat they stop vibrating.

The stop squeal paste does the same thing without the wear on the pad and rotor.

[Putt-Putt]

I've used this stop squeal paste for years on all brake pads and it has not failed me once. The reason for the squeal is the pad is vibrating on the back plate when cold. If you set the brake 3 clicks it heats the pad up quicker which expands everything and this is why they stop squealing. In other words they expand so much with the heat they stop vibrating.

The stop squeal paste does the same thing without the wear on the pad and rotor.

Ya but how does that past work after riding in the rain? The spray on CRC worked great till then.

[WidowMaker]

I set out to fix my brakes today as mine squeal pretty bad. I decided to go with the 3M VHB tape fix. So I bought some tape at the local Auto parts store and went home to work on the bike. Turns out once I ripped the pads out of the calipers I noticed there is nothing on the back side of the pad So I attached the tape and reinstalled the pads. I went to put the caliper back on the rotor and it won't fit I wonder how people are getting them back on with the thickness of the tape? My caliper pistons were all the way back so I couldn't get any more play out of them. I went to fix #2, install anti squeal on the back of the pads. I actually was just going to do this right away when I saw the pad has nothing of the sort to help with squealing. What the he!! was BRP thinking? Of course they're going to squeal, any brake pad is gonna squeal if you don't put some type of anti squeal tape, lube, whatever. What really irritates me is when I complained about this at my dealer they told me they really couldn't help me???

Anyway, took the bike for a ride and its all gone. I did hear the rear one time which I never noticed before. So if I need to, I'll rip the back apart too. But for now, it's nice and quiet

[Putt-Putt]

One more thing on this brake squeal thing. I have had 39 motorcycles; I still own two others right now BMW & a Yamaha. And I have worked part time at 2 different bike dealerships, so I rode a lot of different bikes. Point is I never had any of them have a Brake Squeal as far as I can remember. The only other to have a squeal is the BRP 800 4-wheeler I own. So whats up with BRP ????

[krb1945]

I used it on the pads on my ole one ton truck for 20 years and I ran it thru some 30 inch deep puddles or lakes and it never washes away. That paste was the only cure for its brake squeal. Every time I changed the front pads I put a good coat on the back to stop the squeal.

[NancysToy]

Ya but how does that past work after riding in the rain? The spray on CRC worked great till then.

I used it on the pads on my ole one ton truck for 20 years and I ran it thru some 30 inch deep puddles or lakes and it never washes away. That paste was the only cure for its brake squeal. Every time I changed the front pads I put a good coat on the back to stop the squeal.

The spray on CRC product (Anti-Squeal) is made to be sprayed on the rotors, not the rear of the pads. It is temporary at best. CRC's Disc Brake Quiet is a rubbery paste that is put on the back of the pads to insulate them, and should last as long as the pads. The GM product seems to work well, too, but is applied to the friction side of the pads, as described above. Whichever product you use, you have to apply it properly for it to work well. You have to be familiar with the product. Some, like cleaning the brakes, will only provide a temporary solution and can be rendered useless by bad weather. For others, improper application can reduce effectiveness.

[jedd]

Nice addition Scotty, the BG product is applied to friction side, if applied as directed is soaks in to the pad and very slightly softens or perforates friction surface, eliminating the wet finger on a wine glass effect. Only reason I personally prefer this method is it also delivers a much smoother braking to a stop feeling. No more harminic vibrations while braking.