Front brakes squeaking

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May 17, 2017 | 04:13 PM

#11

pcmc2

Thread Starter

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From: Medina O-H-I-O

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcmc2

I replaced the front brakes pads (both sides) on my '14 Limited because the old ones were squeaking. They were about 1/2 worn with around 8k miles on them. Now after only about 50 miles the new ones are squeaking. What gives? The rotors look fine and not grooved. BTW the back pads were replaced about 1000 miles ago when I replaced the back tire and they don't squeak.

Thanks to all who provided input. I thoroughly cleaned everything before I put the new pads on.

UPDATE: after riding about another 100 miles the brakes only squeak a little when I first "hit" them. Not too annoying now. I can live with that.

May 22, 2017 | 01:13 PM

#12

pcmc2

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From: Medina O-H-I-O

LATEST UPDATE: After a 650 mile weekend ride the rear brakes are now squeaking and the front brakes have a harmonic sounding growl to them. Both are very annoying! Grrr

May 22, 2017 | 01:22 PM

#13

KrustyKush

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From: Menifee, CA

For sure, brake noise is hard to bear. I can remember bikes of the 70's especially Harleys having real squealing brakes. But this has been gone for a long time, now that motorcycle brakes are so good.

There's something wrong with your brakes. It almost has to be the rotors, since you've replaced all the pads.

Good luck, keep at it, you'll find it.

May 22, 2017 | 06:31 PM

#14

EasternSP

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: King George, VA

I've never had any luck with Harley pads or rotors. The rotors warp within about 8K miles. I have found after market rotors to be much better. I had to put new rotors on my 16 RGU at about 8K miles. I couldn't find after market rotors this time so I had to go with H-D rotors again. The fronts are just starting to get the pulsing effect now at 21K.

May 22, 2017 | 06:58 PM

#15

CSMHOG

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasternSP

Interesting. I have about 100,000 miles without one warped rotor. I wonder if the fact that you may ride on hills and I'm a flat lander. Just food for thought.

May 22, 2017 | 08:19 PM

#16

EasternSP

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: King George, VA

Not sure what hills would have to do with it. I would be quite sure H-D took that into consideration when they designed it. Besides, it's not like 45 degree inclines here. Most of my mileage is pretty much flat. I think it's just the BS cheapest thing they could make the rotors out of. Why is it most after market can figure out how to improve stuff within a few months of the new models hitting the streets?

Last edited by EasternSP; May 23, 2017 at 08:15 AM.

May 23, 2017 | 05:47 AM

#17

Notgrownup

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Snow Hill, NC

I am on my 2nd set of HD stock at 95000 miles and looking for a set of good take offs...The EBC double sintered pads eat them up a bit so about 50000 is all I can muster out of the rain.

May 23, 2017 | 06:15 AM

#18

rwven

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Joined: Sep 2014

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From: North East, MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcmc2

LATEST UPDATE: After a 650 mile weekend ride the rear brakes are now squeaking and the front brakes have a harmonic sounding growl to them. Both are very annoying! Grrr

The rears on my Limited squeal also. The growl in the front you are hearing is likely caused by the perforations in the drilled discs. I put EBC HH pads on the front of mine and while they stop and feel better than the stock pads (IMO) they growl even more than the stockers. The rears will be changed to EBCs next time they need changing, I'll take the growl over the squeal any day.