!!Brake Squeal!!

**jeff** · #1 7 May 2001

Not planning on taking any trans continental trips with this bike, but I am having a very bad brake squeal problem. It is a 75 CB 550f and just about everything on it is original. I replace the pads about 1k miles ago, because the original pads were also squealing. After I remonted my wheels from replacing the original tires my new pads started squealing again any idea why this is happening? I tried to file the new pads down a little but only worked for a little while. any suggestions on how to fix this besides buying new pads again? Any response will be greatly aprciated.

**Grant Johnson** · #2 8 May 2001

Usually this is caused by the pad itself vibrating against the piston pushing it out. The cure is usually a special grease designed just for the purpose. A thin coat on the back of the pads will usually stop it. Also if there are rods that go across the caliper that the caliper or pads slide on, these may also need a special- different - grease. Your Honda dealer should have what's needed, you may even be able to get a little blob from the mechanics if you ask nice. But expect to pay for it, it's not cheap. You can also get it at most auto supply shops.

Good luck!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Huan** · #3 9 May 2001

Make sure that you didn't lose/misplace the little springs/plates that sit against the pads these are anti-squeal also as Grant suggests try coating the BACK of the pads with a copper based high temp grease (Copaslip) and use a waterproof marine grease on the caliper sliders. (Bel-ray blue is good)don't get the copper grease on the pads it is very difficult to remove and tends to soak in!!!
hope this helps

**StuartH** · #4 13 May 2001

Years ago I used a 550 F1 for many continental trips and remember it as a good reliable bike that was good for solo touring but a bit underpowered two up. It never let me down (which is more than I could say for a friends Trident T150 when we travelled together). I don't remember it suffering from brake squeal though. Usually a smear of something like copaslip on the back of the pads should be enough to stop it, but some makes of pads are more prone to it than others. Are you using Honda pads or another make?

**jeff** · #5 16 May 2001

Thanks much for the reply all the coppa grease works great!!