2005 v star 650 custom brake issue

[gprevitera]

Just bought this bike on May 9, 2006 brand new from dealer. After about 100 miles I knoticed a grinding and sometimes loud squeeking sound cming from the front brake. I took it to the Dealer where I purchased it. The bike would not make the noise while the service writer rode it in the parking lot. He said it could just be the front brakes wearing in. At 600 miles the problem still persists so when it went in to get it 600 mile service the technician (lic shop, not the dealer) put the front braking system apart and could not find any problems. Its now at 959 miles and the problem just seems to be getting worse/louder and at time with vibration, its currently at the dealer now and they say it won't make the noise for them. And everything looks fine. I've read several different forums and they all mention changing pads and sanding the rotor. The dealer is reluctant to do this as pads and rotors are not warrenty items, even though this problem has been there since I purchased the bike. I don't understand, it does it intermittently but often. And has done it for 2 other people that I had ride it. Its loud enough that the car infront of me can hear it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do. Or what could be causing this problem.

Also the tank has a baffle in it and when I fill the tank the pump clicks off and as soon as I pull up the nozzle it over flows all over the bike.

Any suggestions would help.

Thank You

[CORSCO]

A rubbing noise from the brakes is normal as this is just the sound of the pads lightly rubbing the disc. Buy some Contact/Brake Cleaner and spray the pads down and wipe off the rotor. Brake dust will make the pads squeal. Visually look at the rotor and brake caliper to check for any signs of wear. If there is a problem, there will be obvious wear marks. Check the outer edges of the brake rotor and the caliper body that surrounds the rotor.

Also, try to apply the brakes very hard in a safe manner. Brake pads usually need about 100 miles to break-in.

I hate to say it, but if the dealership cannot find a problem, it might be a normal noise and is just in your head.

[gprevitera]

I wished it was in my head. But my neighbors across the street hear it as I'm slowing to turn into my driveway. And my husband can hear it when we stop at a stop sign and he's behind me on his bike. I've had a friend comment it on it as I was pulling into thier driveway. When it happens it quit loud and real grindy sounding. A few times while out riding my husband looked at the rotor and he could see slight scoring of the rotor and if you run your finger nail of it you can actually feel it. We were wondering it the pads could be to hard and maybe I switch to a slightly softer pad. One dealer I called said that possibly the dealer I purchased the bike from failed to clean the rotor and sand the pads before putting the bike together, to remove the protectant that is applied for shipping across seas. And it was causing all the problem.
Thanks for your response.

[CORSCO]

Not cleaning the cosmoline off will not do that. The only other thing I can think of is that during set-up, the front wheel was put on improperly.

Don't know how mechanical you guys are but you could loosen the axle nut and pinch bolt and make sure the axle is all the way in. The wheel could be pulled too far/less on one side and is causing the rotor to rub against the caliper.

Take off the two bolts that hold the caliper and inspect the body. Like I said, there will be definant evidence of a problem.

Problems like that always do fix themselves right before you get to the dealership! Weird why that happens. Good Luck.

If it is a manufacturers defect, it should be taken care of, no matter what part of the bike it is.

[xsyamahadg]

The sound you describe like metal to metal is common to the V-star, my 03 650 did the same thing and at 600 miles the dealer took the pads off and sanded them. However the noise came back again after a short while. The mechanic told me it is due to the removal of asbestoes from all Yamaha's brake pads....don't know if I believe that or not. If you can't get the dealer to do anything about it, you can replace the pads with aftermarket pads, or live with it, or do like I do. Everytime I wash the bike, I squeeze some suds down over the pads and rinse. That holds off the noise for a while. After 3,000 miles on my Star, there is no noticable wear on the rotor, and the brake functions perfectly....but that nasty hair raising grinding noise persists. The only other nasty thing about the Star is the freaky way it handles at ultra low speeds...sort of like a wheelbarrow full of loose rocks. Other than that, its great. XS

[-Curly-]

All VStars Squeel.

[xsyamahadg]

Yup..like Curly said. Xs

[gprevitera]

Its looking like I'll bite the bullet and and buy the aftermarket pads. As I cannot deal with the sound. What pads do you currently have on your bike, or are they still factory? The bike will be in the shop for a few more days and I have another bike to ride (2002 ninja 500). Guess that one will do for this weekends long ride, and least it brakes quitely. But I'm gonna miss the comfort of the v-star on the highway.

Thanks so much for your help!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

[xsyamahadg]

I still am using the factory pads that came on the bike. If you buy aftermarket pads, get a good brand that is recommended for the Star, you don't want to lunch out a rotor with pads that are too hard. Good luck, let us know how you make out. XS

[-Curly-]

I hear changing out the front cable to stainless steel will solve the squeak. With the stock brake line the fluid has the oppurtunity to expand the brake line causing the pads to release from the caliper for just a fraction of a second, now with it doing this in succession it will cause a chatter, but we hear a squel. With the stainless steel cable the fluid can not expand the cable therefore giving far better clamping capabilities and reducing the squel.