front disk brake sqeal

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flw · #1 Unread post by **flw** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:14 pm

This front disk brake sqeal just started today. The bike is not broken in yet, so I'm wondering if I should just hold off for awhile, or get some disk brake cleaner? I live in a area with a lot of farming/dust especially in spring and fall.

So should I try to ride out the sqeal for now or is it safe on a new bike (not broken in) to use disk brake cleaner? Also is there any difference if the cleaner is sold for cars or bikes? Sine all that's being done is cleaning dust/dirt off a metal plate. I don't konw what the stock brake pads are made of, most likely what is cheapest.

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:20 pm

I'd clean them, most disc brakes are sprayed with oil before they're shipped on the bike. So if it isn't all wiped off then the disc/pads start to collect dirt and dust which can cause a squeel. Clean your pads and your discs and see if that helps.

flw · #3 Unread post by **flw** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:28 pm

Any tips on spraying the pads as well?

Also any difference between auto cleaning spray and cycle cleaning spray?

Thanks again.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:45 pm

I would go to walmart and buy brake cleaner.

To get the pads it's probably easiest to remove them. Take the caliper off make sure no one touches the lever. Spray some stuff in there and then wipe it all out with a rag.

#5 Unread post by **fireguzzi** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:26 am

Clean the back of the pads where the pistons push on them too.
automotive brake cleaner will be fine.

zed · #6 Unread post by **zed** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:08 pm

Vulcan 500 Ltd, correct?
If so, then this a common "problem" for this bike. Mine does the same thing, but the sqeaking comes and goes. One day it'll sqeak all day long and then nothing for weeks. I haven't done anything about it.
If you do try the above mentioned fixes, please post up the results.

xsyamahadg · Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:38 am

The disc brake squeal is common to some V-Stars too, mine did it from day one. My dealer removed the pads and sanded them with a fine grit sandpaper, but the noise came back in a few hundred miles. I found out that if I rinse the pads off with soap suds when I wash the bike, it takes the squeal out for a while. Might be the brake dust. ??

flw · #8 Unread post by **flw** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:48 am

Its gone from none, to totally sqealing. Started with bike at about 18 miles total. Still sqeals but I have not been to a town with a auto parts store for disk brake cleaner yet.

xsyamahadg · Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:27 am

Watch where you spray that cleaner...some of it will take paint off.

big_ry_ry · Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:02 am

xsyamahadg wrote:The disc brake squeal is common to some V-Stars too, mine did it from day one. My dealer removed the pads and sanded them with a fine grit sandpaper, but the noise came back in a few hundred miles. I found out that if I rinse the pads off with soap suds when I wash the bike, it takes the squeal out for a while. Might be the brake dust. ??

07 v-star 1100, brakes just started squeling with 200 miles on it, I actually was going to take it to the dealer this weekend as they are calling for nice weather; finally!!!
But if it is normal than i will just buy some brake clean and go with it!