Brake Squeak

1976 Z900 A4

Dual disc brakes/ Factory

I've tried everything to keep the brakes from squeaking. Two sets of new organic pads. Chamfered the edges, added the anti rattle plates, resurfaced the rotors,
even tried the automotive pad anti squeak spray.

As soon as the pads are run in. They squeak.

Any ideas?

The front pads on my 1977 KZ650-C1 squeaked when I installed non-Kawasaki pads.  I did a number of things to eliminate the noise, but is always came back - and it was loud.  I installed genuine Kawasaki pads and the squeak disappeared.  Ed

As 650ed stated, the best option is to run OEM pads and bed them in properly.  Aftermarket pads can be filled with grief at times.  How was resurfacing of the rotors accomplished?  Make sure that the piston(s) retract to eliminate as much rotor drag as possible and make sure to lube contact points.

Rick H.

For me, it seems like every time I go down  dusty roads my front brakes squeal.
My fix;   I  squeeze the front brake hard (At a stop )  and give her some gas then ease up on  the brake enough to let the wheel turn and roll for about 20 feet under pressure.
That usually is enough to stop the squeak, if that doesn't work I hand sand the disks with 400 grit by pressing the sand paper to the disk  and spinning the wheel a few times.
Can't remember what brand pads they are.
  
 

The squeal has nothing to do with the pads, its caused by a resonant frequency from the pads moving at a high speed, that's why a lot of bikes have a piece of spring steel behind the pad, put a dab of silicone on the centre of the back of the pads or some brake grease, keeping everything clean helps as well.....  


Google "how to stop motorcycle pads squealing" and have a read....

Well now I am once again confused.  For the last 50 years or so I was told under most circumstances in normal usage it was best to always use OEM brake pads and linings to help keep noise issues at bay.  Is this not the case?  If so, I have wasted a lot of money.
Rick H.

wrote:

Well now I am once again confused.  For the last 50 years or so I was told under most circumstances in normal usage it was best to always use OEM brake pads and linings to help keep noise issues at bay.  Is this not the case?  If so, I have wasted a lot of money.
Rick H.

I have never bought OEM brake pads in 40 odd years of riding, I've see both OEM and aftermarket pads squeal, never had squealing pads on any of my bikes...

750 R1, are you saying to add a dab of silicone just in the center. That stops the frequency. Or are you coating the entire back side of the pad to isolate it from the piston. Which side cause the squeal? The piston or fixed. 

The pads are basically vibrating, anything that dampens the vibrations will stop the squeal. There are specialised silicone product to use, Years ago I used high temp silicone, spread around the piston to pad contact point, now you can use products like the one in this video.   Watch the whole video, he covers it well.

I just ordered some OE pads and new anti rattle clips. I've had the rotors resurfaced by a company that specializes in motorcycle rotors. They have a machine that grinds them flat.

wrote:

I just ordered some OE pads and new anti rattle clips. I've had the rotors resurfaced by a company that specializes in motorcycle rotors. They have a machine that grinds them flat.

Truedisk?

The old style round puck brake pads tend to squeak more so than the later type calipers.  I don't know why, but that's been my experience.