Topic: That squeaky front disc brake!

[William Cochran]

Okay, 1975 CB400F, squeaky front disc brake.  Here is what has been tried without any real success:

1. New pads
2. Clean pads with brake cleaner and apply CRC Disc Brake Quiet

The Disc Brake Quiet worked for about 5 minutes and then it reverted right back to squeaking as loud as ever.

Applied as directed to back of pad housing, let set for ~20 minutes, reinstalled. 

Looking and hoping someone can help with a long-term resolution.

Thanks in advance!

[William Cochran]

Forgot to mention, also tried brake grease several months ago and it did not help.  Thanks again!

[oldhatt45]

William,

Are the brake pads beveled around the edges?
That is one of the recommendations some of the experts give for the 750's.

Maybe that would help??

Charlie

[William Cochran]

Hi Charlie,

Unless they came that way, then the answer is no.  If my memory serves correct they are completely flat.  Can they be beveled by hand?  If so what would be the procedure?

Thanks!

[riverfever]

I just remove them and use a hand file to do this. Helped out tremendously with my 550.

[William Cochran]

I was reading elsewhere about this and it seems that most recommend about a 45 degree angle for the beveled leading edge, does this sound right to you folks?

[ekpent]

 Stock pads had a bevel. I just rode my 750 yesterday on a vintage bike ride and my squeak is back and loud. Joked with the guys that you may not hear me coming but you'll definitely hear me stopping. Need to take it apart, deglaze some things and throw a few other tricks at it again.

[William Cochran]

I can relate.  I took the 400F to a Honda dealer to pick up a part and when I came out, several of the employees were admiring it. When I left, I used only the rear brake because the squeaking is loud and embarrassing.

So even with the bevel on your pads, they still squeak?

[oldhatt45]

William,

Since I had my old pads (original 1976, yeah, I know )
I beveled my new pads to about the same angle.  Didn't look like 45 degrees to me.
More like around 30 degrees.
I believe the point is to make it so that the brakes don't instantly grab the rotor, but then, I'm sure one of the experts can give you a better technical explanation.

Charlie

[Sami1987]

Did you set the static pad to spec? This is important!! Don't ask how I know.

[William Cochran]

Sami,

My apologies, but I am not sure how this is accomplished so obviously I have not done it.  Might you provide some guidance?

Thanks!

[flybox1]

Put down the Clymer and download the Honda Manual for your bike 
Its well detailed there.

http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/shop-manual