One of the most annoying things about riding a new motorcycle is the brake squeal that occurs while breaking in the new pads and rotors. There are a few simple tricks that can reduce or eliminate this noise.

Brake chatter or "squeal" is the screeching "nails on the chalkboard" noise that occurs when the disc brake pad resonates against the brake puck. It usually occurs during the last few feet of braking at slow speeds. While it doesn't necessarily affect how well you stop, it's annoying and embarrassing when folks at a stop light watch you squeal to a stop on your new Harley.

Older Harley Davidson motorcycles that have had parts like pads or rotors replaced can develop squeal, as well as Harley Davidsons that have been ridden in rain or dusty conditions.

The first step to getting rid of brake squeal is to remove the caliper from the bike. Split the caliper to remove the pads, or pull the pins if it is a PM or aftermarket caliper that allows easy access. Blow out any dust or dirt from the caliper and clean with Brake Kleen if there is grease or old fluid on the caliper. Inspect the pads for embedded metal or debris, then lightly sand the surface of each pad with emery to remove the shiny spots. A nice dull finish is fine. Chamfer the leading edge of each pad, (the edge that the rotor feeds into) at 45 deg. with a file. I like to use Disc Brake Quiet on the backs of the pads, where they contact the pucks. This is a slightly gooey red or blue cream that adheres the pad to the puck, reducing chatter and allowing the pad to retract with the puck and get away from the rotor. Disc Brake Quiet and Brake Kleen are available at auto parts stores.

Also recommended are SBS Brake Shims which are a rubber/glassfiber shim that adheres to the back of the pad and dampens vibration.

If your rotors are very glazed, you might consider giving them a minor resurfacing with a Dual Action sander like the ones used in auto body work. Finally, if you have ultra-hard pads, try replacing them with the newer soft compound pads. They will wear a bit faster, but braking will be improved and it will eliminate the squeal.

LRB has brake pads in aggressive compounds that increase brake efficiency and reduce braking effort. They can be seen in the specials section of our site.

Try some of these tricks and get rid of that brake squeal! Your motorcycle will thank you!


Source" http://www.directparts.com/static/ar...rakesqueal.htm