Squeeky front brake

[maybe73]

75 cb750k. Put on new front brake pads, annoying whine when applying slight brake pressure. Didn't do any thing to disc because it seemed to be in great shape. Will sound go away with use or do I need to scuff it up. If so with what/how? Thanks.

[TOOLS1]

I have had 3 different sets of brake pads do the same thing. I just learned to live with it.
TOOLS

[Re-run]

You have a few options. I do not accept that pads just squeal. Mine hardly ever squeal.

First off, use a dremel or hacksaw blade and cut a line into the pad that is more or less in line with the disk. I don't know if it matters what direction, but this is what I did. Cut it deep. This does 2 things, allows brake dust a way out and helps break up harmonics.

The next is to chamfer the edges of the pads. most usually are a little but I do it more. It will need to be done every so often but it isn't hard.

Inside the caliper, between the pad and piston there is a plastic or nylon ring. This helps prevent harmonic vibrations too.

I do these 3 things and mine only squeal when it needs to be done again.

As a final thing, some hi temp brake grease can be rubbed on the outside of the pad, as in the metal part, not the pad itself, never get any type of lube on the pad. When I say hi temp, I mean if you put a glob in the oven at 400 degrees, it stays a glob. Hard to find but can be worth it.

[maybe73]

Thanks for the info. Been out of town so now I can get at it. Squeak is annoying at stop and go situations in traffic. There is no plastic between piston and pad. There is steel disc that covers open end of piston, I will check manual to see if I am missing some parts. I put it back together the same way it came apart, replaced the rubber o ring piston seal and it went back together easy. Thanks again.

[Re-run]

Yes there should be a plastic ring in there. You might be able to substitute a thick oring.

[maybe73]

I don't see the ring in my manual or diagrams on line????? Just the steel, slightly convex puck shaped disk between the piston and brake pad. Thanks again.

[shinyribs]

The nylon ring Rerun mentioned is paramount. You need to get one or at least some sort of replacement.

Are you brakes properly adjusted. The inner pad, or dead pad, should have a slight clearance between itself and the rotor. Probably somewhere around .020''? Just enough to prevent it from constantly touching,but not so much you have excessive lever travel. Also makes sure your spring is installed on your calipers swinging mount. With out your brakes can move around causing noise and excessive lever travel.




^^^This stuff really works well,but the effects are only temporary. Expect to reapply every 1000 miles or so. It goes directly on the braking surface of the pad itself. I would just dribble some over the pads while still installed. Made a small mess and wasted some product,but it was a time saver and made my brakes quiet. And I mean silent.

vvvvThis stuff works very well also. It's designed to help ''glue'' the pad in to position to help eliminate the vibrations Rerun was talking about.


Truth of the matter is that SOHC rotors were very early pieces in the disc brake game and metallurgy has come a long way since then. They are really hard stainless and they just squeal. But you can get them to squeal less! Sintered pads are much,much louder than stock replacements pads. I had a set of original Honda pads that were quiet as a mouse but since they were so old I replaced them with some EBC standard pads. They squealed,but not nearly as bad as the EBC sintered (or HH) pads did. I finally chucked all of them and bought a set of NOS Honda pads off ebay. Not cheap! And not 100% silent,but almost. I personally think the issue lies with the material of the brake pads being too hard nowadays. My Dad had 4 CB750's brand new off the lot and said his never squealed. But hey, asbestos is bad,right?

[Re-run]

Yeah that ring is an absolute requirement. I think the inner pad adjustment is like .008 or some such thing. I can't remember it but it is in the manual.

[maybe73]

Spring is in place, have at least .010 clearance on dead pad. Every thing is working correctly. I will look into plastic ring with on line drawings because clymer's manual doesn't show it. Then I'll try the brake anti-squeal. You guys are a boat load of help. Have made owning/repairing this cb 750 a lot more enjoyable. Reach around and pat yourself on the back. Thanks again.

[Re-run]

The clymer manual is only good for shadetree hacks. I got it years ago and it is so spotty that it is almost unforgivable.

[maybe73]

Yes, I have learned that about Clymers.

[Re-run]

Good thing we have the honda shop manual here!

[maybe73]

Brake noise is gone! CRC disc brake quiet did the trick. Followed directions and added a "little" extra. Might have to redo in the future, but what a difference. Great advice.

[shinyribs]