1974 flh...... Ever since i replaced the front calipur there is a strange noise when applying the brake. its not a metalic sound but an odd rubbing sound more like when rub something soft on a hard surface. like when you rub a highly pollished surface with a wet hand. a dragging sound. Not a squeak but a low decible squeak if that makes sence. The shoes are fine, the disk is ok and not scoring. just an annoying rubbing sound.

randy

 

Are the pads "matched" to your Rotor material??
Metallic pads against a Cast rotor make a Noise, and ruin rotors too.

 

Thant's a good point... I knew about specific pads for specific rotors but and premature wearing or brakes not working as they should, but didn't think about the noise

Is there a chart or something somewhere saying what pads go on what rotors?
I looked online but could not find specific info.

What pads to use for zinc, stainless and chrome rotors?

 

I don't know of such a Reference.
I basically try to stay with O.E. so...No Problems.
Lots of Folks [Racers included] using Lyndall's pads...especially with OE [Cast] Rotors.
I Have No Experience with them Either...Big Help Huh???
My "Thing" is to avoid Metallic pads altogether, and So Far...No Problems.
Note; I am Not a Road Racer.....

 

The pads are off the caliper I had originally on the bike. I replaced the caliper with an identical one that I had floating around. Same disk, same pads, same style of banana caliper etc etc. There is vertically no wear on those pads or rotor. No scoring etc. It was an identical caliper swap out. And its only if I push or roll the bike and use the brake it happens. However I noticed that there is a slight movement in the caliper when applying the brake. It is held together with bolts on a pin at the top. Im wondering if that pin is sloppy and the pads are vibrating a little when applied. I don't know if that would be an issue but these are 1974 parts and subject to age.

randy

 

What is happening is the caliper you put on is not in exactly the same orientation as the one you took off...the pads are worn parallel to the old caliper, but, not to the new one...It will probably correct itself with wear and use...if it is not too far off.

 

I was missing the anti-rattle clip, but that's probably not the sound you are having.

 

Racepres that makes a lot of sense. I was going to replace it with a newer type of caliper but up here in Canada, you need a mortgage to buy parts like that. So I will live with it for now. What would you recommend as a replacement caliper should I win the lottery?

randy

 

new disc pads need to be "bedded" to the rotor

 

Oh Hell!!! I still run the Banana!
I do own a Late model set of Forks with a 2001+ Caliper...I just can't bring myself to put it on my '74!!
I been using this old Crap for so long that I think it is OK...
Was your Bike Mine...I would Mash the Brakes at every opportunity that my Mates would not think I have Somehow Lost It...If it gets It's **** Together...Cool, If Not...Next Swap Meet...I'll Find a NOS O.E. Set of pads...Heck...Since they suck so Bad...I will get them for a Song!!!!

Ride it My Friend...don't analyze it....Ride it.