Rear Brake Question

Arius · 03-04-2007, 10:09 PM

Hi there,

I have a 2005 FZ6 with 6800 miles. The rear brake squeals very loudly when the bike is coming to a dead stop. Is it possible for the rear brake pads to be worn out already? I got the bike used so I am not sure how the previous owner(s) treated it.

Would anyone recommend for replacement the stock Yamaha pads or maybe aftermarket, say EBC ceramic pads? My application is for mostly street commuting/sports touring.

Thanks.

silverbullet · 03-04-2007, 10:14 PM

Possible it could already be worn depending on the previous owners liking of the rear brake. It seems to be set a little high for me so I've rotated it down on notch. Also found this gives a bit more feel.

Binary Jay · 03-04-2007, 11:48 PM

A little squealing is normal, if it's a lot of high pitched metal-on-metal sounding squealing then that is a telltale sign that the pad is done for and that you've got something other than pad hitting your rotor.

Look at your rotor and look for circular grooves in it that look distinct from other markings on the disc. It's also very easy to check your pads or even remove them so you might as well do this.

If you're scoring the rotor, you better take care of it sooner than later or you risk warping the rotor.

Arius · 03-05-2007, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the help, Silver and Jay.

It is a loud, low-pitched metal-on-metal sound that only occurs when the bike is grinding to a halt. If I tap on the rear brake at speed, then it doesn't come on.

I think the rotor looks ok but the rear pad do look a little worn out. I'll take it to the shop as soon as I can. I can change oil and do the basic maintanence but fiddling with the brakes make me nervous. I'll go read the service manual too. It's just that at only 6800 miles, it seems surprising that the pads can wear out so fast. My previous bike has over 12K miles with stock pads and still have plenty of life in them.

FZSportrider · 03-05-2007, 05:03 AM

I don't tend to use my rear break to often. My last bike had 39,000 miles on it and changed out the front pads every 12 months or so and never needed to do the rear. They are so simple to change and to check do it yourself. if you look into the middle of the pad there is a slot if there isn't then they are finished. But like I said I haven't looked at these on this bike but normally there is a hairpin clip holding in a pin you pull the clips pull out the pin squeeze evenly until you have to shaft pusted back into the caliper then slid out the old pad drop in the new ones replace the pin and clips and then pump the brakes until they are snug again. really doesn't take that long.

Boneman131 · 03-05-2007, 11:33 AM

My front ones squeek so I asked my Yamaha mechanic about SPS, Squeekey Pad Syndrome. He said it's the nature of the beast for a lot of bikes and happens alot with factory pads.

Suggested replaing with a better quality aftermarket pad.

Any pad recommendations guys?

AugieNYC · 03-05-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boneman131

My front ones squeek so I asked my Yamaha mechanic about SPS, Squeekey Pad Syndrome. He said it's the nature of the beast for a lot of bikes and happens alot with factory pads.

Suggested replaing with a better quality aftermarket pad.

Any pad recommendations guys?

I used Bendix brake pads. Also, every once in a while I spray a little brake cleaner. If you do use brake cleaner, try to wash off the overspray - I don't think the stuff would be great too great for the paint on the rims.