I'm experiencing some (intermittent) squeaky brakes on my 2011 FLHX (2,600 miles). Anyone else have similar noise? What is (was) your remedy?

 

I have the same problem and looking for remedy also.

 

often dust build up, but can also be influenced by rider's style, the pads can become glazed and more likely to squeak if the brakes are 'dragged' while the bike is ridden.


the squeal is caused by the pads vibrating, coating the backside with an 'anti-squeak" such as hi temp RTV silicone can dampen these vibrations, also chamfering the leading edge of the pads and deglazing, by sanding the surface lightly

start with cleaning the dust out of the caliper area, do not use a pressure washer!

there are other pads available, in short, hard compounds last long but may squeal, soft compounds are quieter but don't last long.

I have really good results with the stock pads

mike

 

Squeaky when braking or just rolling? I had a front brake squeak when rolling. I pulled the pads and chamfered the leading edges with a file and reinstalled the pads. It took care of the problem. Another solution is to clean the caliper and make sure that the anti-rattle spring is free floating and not hung up with brake dust.

 

re: brake dust
after every ride I blow out the calipers and then wash bike (if not every ride it's every other)

 

squeak when low speed rolling but not all the time. it's not too bad but still there none the less

 

Do you wipe off the rotors when cleaning?

 

Seems like I read somewhere that you can reverse the rotors and get rid of the squeal (squeak).

 

not specifically or intentionally but they do get wet/soapy when washing rims

 

Good information! If you look at a quality set of automotive pad, preferably OEM, you'll see the front and rear edged chamfered, plus there is usually a diagonal cut across the middle of the pad (short side across) which catched the dust and helps disperse the heat. Not a big fan of silicon on the back of the pad's backing plate, but if you try this, make sure it's high temp (I believe 3M makes this). Whatever you do, put nothing in the actual friction material itself... you'll create integrity problems & stopping issues. Good luck!