Rear Brake Squeal

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Jun 19, 2011 | 08:03 AM

smac75

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 33

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From: MA

Rear Brake Squeal

I just bought an 08 FLHT with 7500 miles on it. Now I have 8500 miles on it and the rear brake is starting to squeal. It doesn't do it when I first ride it only after I have applied it a few times. I was wondering if the pads are getting glazed , dirt, or should I be looking at replacing the pads.

Jun 19, 2011 | 08:20 AM

roadking2000

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 3,498

Likes: 128

Clean the caliper pistons and while you're at it, look at the pads and see if they need replaced. OR, replace the pads and clean the caliper pistons while you're at it. I'd guess the pads, but 16K isn't a lot of miles on a rear brake unless the previous owner was heavy on the rear and light on the front. I can get 15-20 from fronts and a heck of a lot more from the rear, like maybe 50. Maybe even more, but I'm not sure because it's pretty infrequent for the rear.

Jun 19, 2011 | 11:01 AM

skratch

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 20,616

Likes: 4,440

From: anacoco, la

my rear brakes have squealed from day one. there is no lack of stopping power, so i figure that all i need is to apply some of the anti vibe paste onto the back of the pads. just haven't gotten around to it yet, always seems to be more important stuff to do, like riding

Jun 19, 2011 | 01:57 PM

speakerfritz

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,943

Likes: 3

From: NYC

the pads have a groove going thru them. if you see the grooves, the pads are fine. the noise could be new pads installed with out brake pad adhesive which cuts the noise. also could be small rocks, etc that will eventually wear off. I had the small rock problem and by the time I bought the new pad set, the noise stopped. tht was 2000 mikes ago. still have the new pads.