Topic: Squealing front brake

[paulbaker1954]

Hi from the UK.

My K0 500 four is driving me nuts with the front brake squealing when applying light pressure. No squeal when braking harder.

I have posted on the UK sister site and seems this is just one of those things and they all do it. But my friends doesn’t !!

All is cleaned and adjusted properly and caliper is not stocking etc.

Have just ordered some EBC pads to see if that helps

[bryanj]

Its happening more now asbestos is no longer allowed, making sure all the pivots are free and greased plus piston free and nylon washer between pad and piston, pad free in housing and greased.

Some people have had sucess using a scotchbrite pad to clean the disc surfaces but mostly it comes down to the old adage
"They nearly all do that sir!!"

[Don R]

 I've heard beveling the edge or cutting slots across the friction material can help. On 70's gm cars we used a graphite core from a d battery, drilled and inserted it into the pad. Probably added to the stopping distance though.

[MauiK3]

My piston was not retracting well which caused some squeal.
It's fixable, I never heard the nylon pad behind the piston trick. I may have to investigate that.

[bryanj]

Not a nylon pad as such its like a large square section O ring that fits arround the "bump" on the back of the pad, i think its shown in the parts list it was there from new

[PeWe]

I got a nylon ring with a setup of SBS pads.
Now other that I gave a dollop of copper grease behind the stationary one (inner pad).

Adjust the screw wirh spring on caliper bracket.
The caliper bracket is greased and move easily. It has 2 o-rings to keep grease in place.
Good to service when changing front tire.

And finally, yes despite doing all this it can make high pitch sound now and then.