squeaky brakes?

well my knee is back to normal had surgery and recovered pretty fast still unstable but good enough to walk and ride. i took my first ride since my spill yesterday to get used to riding again. bike still runs great but my rear brakes are squeaking really bad. the brakes work the pads are decent but they squeak. what could be the problem. and how can i fix it? also how hard is it to fix a fork seal leak by myself?

 

Is this squeaking on your 1985 vf500? If it is, I would consider pulling of your brake calipers and check for corrosion around piston of the calipers. With a multi-piston claiper, it is important that the pistons squeeze the pads evenly. It they don't, the brake pads will squel and squeak from uneven pad pressure on the rotors.

Changing fork seals are fairly simple if you have the proper tools. It is best to be very cautious when holding the stantion tube or you will end up replacing it because it got all marred up during your repair. Besure to service both forks for a better overall suspension feel.

 

Mate, I have no real input on the problem, but I'm glad you're up and moving around again ok.

 

Glad to hear you're on your feet and back on your ride.
Is the rotor corroded from sitting for a while? Maybe the back of the pad and the retaining clips need some brake lube?
As for the fork seal... I went to Dreyer Honda (I see you're in Indy) and bought OEM seals and then took the forks to Cycle Outfitter. They will do a complete rebuild of your forks for $35 per leg. Well worth the time and potential damage avoidance, especially for an infrequent service that needs one-off tools. Just my opinion. If you do the forks yourself, post a DIY how-to!!

 

thanks everyone and i am glad i am back on my feet again too. hey vladimpaler do you hang out on 31 at all or downtown at arbys? if so man hit me up we can meet up love to see your bike too. as for the fork seals i will give it a shot my buddy can help a little. and the brakes i will check the caliper cause that could be a big possibility and the rotor is a little corroded not A LOT but a lil. i will prolly replace it soon. thanx guys and ride safe.

 

Make sure you give that bike a good looking over. Have you determand what the cause of your crash's were? I would make sure it's not something to do with the bike because 3 strikes and you may be out. Glad to hear you are doing better.

 

thanx jaymz. no not sure what the deal is with my wreck. i think my brakes were sticking and when i gave it gas the brakes were locked. sliding the back end. but that is my theory right now yea i will give it a good check up. I DONT WANNA GO DOWN AGAIN. and i dont plan on it. thanx again everyone.

 

Glad your up & about, I'm about to go under the knife on both knees & my left foot in a week.


As for your rear brakes, sorry don't know what to tell you since I haven't used mine on a street bike in over 30 years, even in foul weather, (only used them in the Dirt). I only use my front brakes & gearing to slow & stop me.:biggrin: