Topic: Squeeky Front Brake

[LesterPiglet]

I've had a drilled disk for years and also use copaslip. My brake never speaks though I'm not sure which of my methods stopped it.

[RevDoc]

I'm surprised at how much frustration there seems to be with this noise issue. When I first started the rehab on my '78 550K the front brake was screaming like a banshee at every slight touch of the lever. Scuffed the glaze on both sides of the rotor with emery cloth. Pulled the caliper and popped out the pads. Cleaned out the caliper and thoroughly coated the back sides of the pads and edges with brake anti-squeak compound that I got at Pep Boys. Hasn't been a sound out of them since.

Thanks, RevDoc, this is helpful. Any idea what size grit I should use for the emory cloth? What did you use to clean the caliper? Thanks again.

Emory cloth is commonly used by plumbers to clean copper before joining. Only one standard grit count as far as I know. Can be found in the plumbing dept. of any DIY store or hardware store. Usually in a small coil. For the cleaning I just use aerosol brake cleaner and a clean, course rag like terry cloth. Wouldn't hurt to give the face of the pads a light scuff as well and then wipe with the cleaner rag. 

[LesterPiglet]

We use the term wet&dry for "emery cloth" as you say. 400 is about right.

[Ravie]

We use the term wet&dry for "emery cloth" as you say. 400 is about right.

Those are two different things. Wet or Dry is a type of paper with many grits. Emery cloth is an all purpose cloth for a different use and only comes in one grit.

[LesterPiglet]

I know. I'm just trying to point in the correct direction. I haven't used the term emery cloth since secondary metalwork. 14yo.

[brewsky]

This stuff works every time. You put it on the back of the brake pad.




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Not for my 550!

just curious, but why not? It goes on hte back of the pad just like all the other anti-brake squeal stuff.

I think the quality of the pad has a lot to do with it. I found that either OEM honda or EBC or DIADO SAFE'D seem to work good too. I've bought three sets of them on EBAY and had minimal squeal. Someone on the board a long time ago pointed them out to me.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,145940.0.html

Wish I knew why! Followed the instructions to a T.

Best I remember, they are EBC stintered pads.

The only thing I didn't do was chamfer the edges or cut any grooves in them....that's next!

Thought they might wear in, but no such luck!

On the positive side, it's a real head turner!

My 750 is quiet as a mouse??

[buffalogt750]

We use the term wet&dry for "emery cloth" as you say. 400 is about right.

Those are two different things. Wet or Dry is a type of paper with many grits. Emery cloth is an all purpose cloth for a different use and only comes in one grit.

Emery cloth is available in rolls or sheets in many different grits. Just do a google search. The cloth backing makes it a lot sturdier than sandpaper.

[evanphi]

I just use 600 grit wet/dry with duct tape for backing. Makes it more sturdy!

[TonUp_UK]

I had a problem with the disc brake of my CB550F2 and I tried several times to stop the noise.

Here is my list of fixes;
 cut a horizontal slot in the pads
 chamfer the leading edge of the pads
 take off any glaze on the pads with some sandpaper
 apply copperslip to the back of the pads
 on the back of the fixed pad I fitted a nylon plumbing washer

The noise went away for a while and gradually came back, not as bad as before but it was there.
Then I figured it was the fixed pad 'rolling about' on the raised dome on the back causing the vibration / noise. I removed the plumbing washer and replaced it with a disc of thin rubber superglued on. (same diameter as the plumbing washer and no hole in the centre)

It has been ok since I did this mod. Fingers crossed.