Topic: '76 CB550F Front Brake Nylon Spacer?

[gorskatron]

Hi all, I rebuilt my front brakes on the CB550 last summer but since then it has been squealing quite a bit. After finally getting fed up, I did some digging and remembered that I had issues with a nylon spacer included in the 4into1 front brake piston rebuild kit, so I didn't put it in the brake. I have since misplaced that nylon spacer and cannot find online where to buy it. Perhaps I could substitute the specific washer for a nylon washer from a hardware store but I'm worried about the high temp application.

Does anyone know where to find that spacer online, or know of a reasonable alternative to eliminate the squealing?

Thanks a million!

[Kelly E]

When I got my 550 it had a slice of 1" PVC for a spacer.

[jlh3rd]

what spacer..don't see one.

[dave500]

theres often a nylon ring behind the pad against the piston,it sort of centres it the piston still makes contact with the pad,its not deadly important,brakes squeal with them in place aswell,the pivot arm is probably worn or dry?you can rig up say fibre washers to take that nylon rings place?

[TwoTired]

The nylon ring keeps the pad square/parallel in the bore in the event the fiction pad wears unevenly.

I don't think it is there for the squealing issue.  The squeal is the disc/pad harmonic vibration.  Change the pad to maybe original, and/or resurface the disc.

Mine didn't squeal until I "upgraded" the friction pads (still had nylon ring). Still did it with original pad put back in.  Changing the disc surface texture made it quiet again.   But, on one bike I left it squealing.  That was great in traffic with numb drivers who otherwise wouldn't notice me.  Far better than loud pipes, imo.   

Wife knew when I was nearing home, too!  It's the age old marketing tool.  If your kit has a flaw, sell it as a feature!

Cheers,