got squeaky brakes? So DID I...there may be hope!

So today, I'm sitting in the bathroom right, then it came to me. It was like some sort of epiphany!

I have been battling with squeaky brakes for two seasons now. This season, the front brake squealed EVERY time I used it. I've checked the pads a few times, applied anti-squeal product to the backs of the pads twice, tried removing any glazing from the pad surface, and read nearly anything pertaining to the issue.

The other day I had to drop the fork tubes out of the triples to install some awesome gaitors. To do so, I had to remove the caliper. So, again, I pondered the squeaking, fiddles with a few things, and threw it back on. I had been thinking it over the last couple days.

This morning I was reading the Haynes and pricing the kits for a complete over-haul. Like I said, it then hit me in the bathroom, ha. What I had initially presumed was just the bolt that secured the caliper turned out to be the "Pivot Bolt" (per Haynes). So, using all my intellect, I figured if it was named the pivot bolt that it should serve as a point on which the caliper pivoted. Who would have thought?

That was it. In my head I knew that I may had solved the mystery, my own at least! I went out to the bike, loosened the lock bolt a hair and backed out the pivot bolt maybe half a turn. Just enough so that when I wiggled it I could get a very slight play in the caliper. Then of course, I tightened the bolt.

It squeaked every time I braked. After allowing that little bit with the PIVOT BOLT, I rode for 120 miles. It never made a peep! I am so HAPPY. Maybe that is the cause for this rant? I love my bike but I always hated the looks I got as I squealed to a stop.

I realize not all the bikes have these pivot bolts. If your on a 650 and you've tried all the other fixes to no avail, this is for you. Maybe the PO or even yourself didn't give it much thought and over tightened it like I did. Hope my unnecessarily long post helps!

 

Ha, I know a didn't solve pandora's box here but dang, no thoughts. Seriously, go try it. It might help you

 

actually it DOES help. thank you

 

I'm rebuilding my caliper right now, so I'll keep that in mind when I put it back on too tight. I did read the manual and noticed the "pivot bolt" as well.

 

Thanks for the info.


I don't about anyone else... but I hate the pivot-bolt-caliper setup... I wish Yamaha went with the normal caliper mount way on these. Oh well.

 

So is the upper or lower bolt the pivot bolt?
I have tried everything and can't get it to stop.

 

The caliper isn't supposed to pivot on that bolt.

That bolt holds a sleeve that the caliper pivots around. You should check to make sure the sleeve moves freely in the caliper then torque that bolt to the spec in the service manual.

 

Sleeve?

 

Dang, i was hoping this was referring to the back brakes. Mine squeak after a few miles of riding.

 

650 Maxim. 550 brakes are different.

 

built up brake dust?

 

If Back Brakes squeak:

Pull the Brake Mechanism.
Spray the whole works clean.

DREMEL the Rust Ridge off the Brake Drum.
(Med. Sanding Barrel (320) Remove Ridge)

De-Glaze the Brake Drum.
Hand-sand.
280 ~ 320 Sand shine off Drum. Apply random scratches on surface with sand paper.

Chamfer Leading Edges of Brake Shoes.
Round-off hard right angles.
De-Glaze surfaces of shoes. (Wear Filter Mask)
Use Block. Apply circular scratches to brake shoes.

 

Oldbiker,
here's how I stopped the front brakes on my 550 from squealing:
1) unbolt caliper from fork leg, no need to remove brake line.
2) remove philips screw holding on the plastic cover.
3) remove cotter pin on tire side of caliper
4) remove pin and sleeve held in by cotter pin. You might need a drift punch for this as 30+ years of grunge are holding it in place.
5)use cleaner of your choice to clean pin, sleeve, and mating surfaces of caliper and holding block. (.40 cal bore brush and hoppes #9 worked for me)
6) lube everything up real good with a high quality grease. not too much grease as you don't want it getting onto your pads.
7) re-assemble and enjoy squeak free braking. Don't forget to put the shims back in place like I did
I fought the same problem till I noticed the manual mention the holding block. been squeak free for over 2000 miles now.

 

Right. On a 550.

The brakes on the 550s are VASTLY different than what's on the 650 Maxim, as Carl pointed out.

OP was talking about the pivot bolt on the 650 Maxim's caliper.

OBD and Rudie, start a new thread if need be in regard to the 550 brake squeak, they are that different. trgrhappy's advice in regard to the 550 brake is valid, except I know OBD has already done all of that. We can have a WHOLE NEW discussion in regard to the 550 calipers; but let's not hijack a thread that's about a different style of brake.