Brake noise
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 44
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From:
RE: Brake noise
Greenscrambler,
I have an 06 Classic with 3K and just had the exact problem with my rear brake. I tried everything except the most logical. I thought I adequately cleaned the brake caliper/rotor during my regular soap and water washings but I wasn't doing enough. My wife suggested cleaning them with brake cleaner but I quickly dismissed her suggestion thinking she didn't have any idea. Well, after a few days, I swallowed my man pride and went to the automotive store and picked up a $2.00 can of brake cleaner spray. I sprayed the entire can on the both front and back (the front brake had started to squeal as well) and you would not believe the gunk that came out. My garage floor is still stained from it but I don't care because it absolutely solved the problem! The only thing I caution about is the brakes were extremely unresponsive for about 5 to 10 minutes afterwards. I slowly drove to a nearby parking lot and worked the brakes for a few minutes until they came back in full strength and without any squeal. Five hundred miles later and they are still squeal free. Don't get brake dust wheel cleaner but actual brake cleaner. It's cheap and it worked for me....good luck!
I have an 06 Classic with 3K and just had the exact problem with my rear brake. I tried everything except the most logical. I thought I adequately cleaned the brake caliper/rotor during my regular soap and water washings but I wasn't doing enough. My wife suggested cleaning them with brake cleaner but I quickly dismissed her suggestion thinking she didn't have any idea. Well, after a few days, I swallowed my man pride and went to the automotive store and picked up a $2.00 can of brake cleaner spray. I sprayed the entire can on the both front and back (the front brake had started to squeal as well) and you would not believe the gunk that came out. My garage floor is still stained from it but I don't care because it absolutely solved the problem! The only thing I caution about is the brakes were extremely unresponsive for about 5 to 10 minutes afterwards. I slowly drove to a nearby parking lot and worked the brakes for a few minutes until they came back in full strength and without any squeal. Five hundred miles later and they are still squeal free. Don't get brake dust wheel cleaner but actual brake cleaner. It's cheap and it worked for me....good luck!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 3
From: NC
RE: Brake noise
Warning.. The cleaner smell will give ya one serious buzz! hehe 
Use in a ventilated area.
Reminds me.. I need to pull my pads and clean them.. Mine squeal like a banshi also when I slow up close to a stop. Embarrassing.. sounds like an old army jeep.
I remember in the ole' trusty "fix my hog" video dvd where they also took a file to the edges to knock down any "burrs" along the edges as well.
Use in a ventilated area.Reminds me.. I need to pull my pads and clean them.. Mine squeal like a banshi also when I slow up close to a stop. Embarrassing.. sounds like an old army jeep.
I remember in the ole' trusty "fix my hog" video dvd where they also took a file to the edges to knock down any "burrs" along the edges as well.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Brake noise
Babs is correct about using in a well ventilated area. The brake cleaner is about the same stuff and dry cleaning fluid. I don't think is is flamable, but it packs a whollop in a closed room. And in concentration, it could be fatal.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Brake noise
You guys can keep cleaning your pads with whatever you want and the problem will keep comming back as dust and dirt builds up. We had the same problem with a Road King with the duell front rotors ,you can imagine the squeel. A set of aftermarket pads eliminated about 75% of the noise then the rotors were reversed, this totaly eliminated all noise......
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