Author Topic: brake feel like its sticking  (Read 864 times)

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ateamsam

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brake feel like its sticking
« on: July 06, 2009, 06:56:45 PM »
Hey ALL,

So I'm new at monkeying around with the bike and think that my front brake pads may be sticking to the rotor.  As i approach a stop they begin squeaking, not too much but enough to be annoying.  Also, when the bike is off and I push the bike while in neutral it stats to squeak and feels as if there is some resistance.  The thing I'm unsure about is if it is just my imagination or if it is actually sticking.  If it is, it is so slight.  What can I do about this and how do I know for sure. 
One more thing.  Its a 74' cb550 and I just had a new tire put on, so could that have done something?

thanks,
Sam

Offline Johnny5

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Re: brake feel like its sticking
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2009, 07:07:25 PM »
Pretty common for these older bikes. Your brake piston/caliper probably needs to be cleaned up. Run a search for squeaky brakes and you'll find lots of info on this.

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1973 CB350F
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Offline ken74-550K0

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Re: brake feel like its sticking
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2009, 07:12:25 PM »
Squeaky brakes is pretty common on these bikes.  If you do a search you will find quite a bit info on that topic. It's pretty common to cut grooves in the brake pads to eliminate or reduce the squeaking.

As far as the dragging is concerned, you should get the front wheel off the ground and spin the wheel and see if it drags, it should spin freely.  If it is dragging, you should use the procedure in the Honda service manual to adjust the front brake. If that does not work you may need to rebuild the front caliper, it's not a big deal, you will need to remove the caliper, and either pump the brake until the piston pops out, or use a grease gun or compressed air to eject the piston.  You can then remove the rubber piston seal and clean out the groove.  Replace the seal (Honda still has them) check the piston for excessive pitting and if it's good reinstall and you will be good to go.
1974 CB 550 K0 (completed)
1977 CB 750 F2
1978 CB 750 F3