Brakes

[Agent Smith]

My bike has about 5400 miles on it and the front brakes have been squealing (a little at first, now getting worse) for about 1400 of those. I am the third owner so I cannot speak to how the bike was ridden before I got it, but 5k seems like a very short life span for pads. Before I replace the pads is there anything else that might be causing the sound and is there any damage I should look for as I replace them?
Thanks

[boxermania]

Agent Smith

With 5400 miles the bike is in no need of brake pads. What probably is happening is that the pads have not been properly "seated". One way to do this is to choose a clean stretch of road and get the bike to about 30 to 40 mph. Then carefully, pull on the front brake lever with some force, o as to bring the bike to a quick stop, once you are down to a slow roll, let go of the brake and speed up to the 30 to 40 mph and repeat the procedure 6 to eight times.

When finished, get on your way and after about 10 minutes riding apply the front brakes and listen for the squeal....if gone you are done......if it returns, the pads are probably "glazed" (the surface has taken a crystal like finish) and the pads will have to be removed and roughed up by sanding on a flat surface.

Good luck..............

[Agent Smith]

Thanks, I will give that a try AS SOON AS IT STOPS F+++ING SNOWING! Dear god , why the hell did I move to freeking Minnesota.

[boxermania]

Dear god , why the hell did I move to freeking Minnesota.

Because the state name rimes with Carlota....the first name of your HS sweetheart? Or because you were going to mine for gold and become rich? Part of the US relocation program? Please don't keep us in suspense and tell us why?

[Agent Smith]

If I remember correctly, I started going east instead of west on I-90 and when I got to I-35 I turned north instead of south. That about sums up all the planning I have done on my life so far.