Two Questions

Mclintoc · Post by **Mclintoc** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:51 am

1. Since I bought my Rockster, I have had a squeaky front brake. I have taken it in to the shop on three different occassions. First they shimmied the pads, then they coated them with some substance. On both occassions the brake stopped squeaking for a while and then went back to its noisesome ways. One time I took the brake off myself and cleaned off the residue, but this only helped for a short while. It only squeaks when I lightly apply the braek, such as when easing up to a stop. With firm braking there is no problem. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on what to do?

2. I'm getting the bike out of storage this weekend, and I plan on changing the oil right away. Do you recommend that I change the oil before firing it up or should I run it for a while before changing the oil? The bike hasn't been run since December.

Thank in advance for your advice.

big papa · Post by **big papa** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:14 am

1. Mine has squeeled since 2003. I live w/ it.

2. I dunno...

beemerphile · Post by **beemerphile** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:42 am

1) A change of pads can help. The BMW pads are pretty hard. Try one of the aftermarket items. I like Galfer greens. They are Kevlar organic and will not only stop better, but the disks will last longer. The downside is that the pads don't last as long. I'd rather replace pads than disks.

2) Always change the oil at operating temperature in order to suspend the contaminants.

Lee

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:55 am

Yeah! Take it out and run it like hell. Really get on the front brakes! Then bring it back hot and change the oil. Your bike will thank you in immeasurable ways.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:59 am

I agree with Lee...get the bike nice and hot before draining the oil.

My brakes squeaked for the first year or so then when quiet for about three years.

I've just put new pads in and the squeak is back...I just put up with it and hope it goes away in time.

If it's a big deal to you you could try taking out the pads and using a hack saw and cutting an X into the pads...I've heard that works.

DJ

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 12:34 pm

I used ear plugs to fix mine.

Mclintoc · Post by **Mclintoc** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:48 pm

Thanks for the prompt replies from everyone. I'm surprised that this issue is so widespread and rather disappointed. I wonder if this issue is with all Beemers or just the Rs.

P.S.
You heard it here first folks: Illinois is going to upset UConn in the Sweet Sixteen.

leno · Post by **leno** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:19 am

Mclintoc wrote:Thanks for the prompt replies from everyone. I'm surprised that this issue is so widespread and rather disappointed. I wonder if this issue is with all Beemers or just the Rs.

P.S.
You heard it here first folks: Illinois is going to upset UConn in the Sweet Sixteen.

Don't get upset they normally squeek untill the first pad change then it goes away. These bike need time to bed in like a fine hand made suit. They are just not delivered prepacked in plastic ready to go. It's a right of ownership.

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:41 pm

My Rock's brakes don't squeal at all.

Post by **Doug** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:57 pm

You can try a rebedding procedure which should help some:

Perform multiple medium to hard stops in succession from 50mph to 10mph. Apply smooth and hard pressure when braking. Do not engage ABS and do not come to a complete stop when using the brakes and do not wait a long time in between stops; You want to heat up the pads/rotors. After 6 stops or so the pads will start to feel soft and become bedded. After bedding, ride wthout using the pads (if possible) to cool them. If you dont notice the squeal is gone, repeat the process again, but make sure the pads totally cool before attempting the second bedding (wait an hour or two).

Here is a reference on bedding pads I just found: http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

The sound might come back later on, but this always helped my squeal problem. If it still doesn't go away, just modify how you stop.. brake a little harder when stopping. Good luck!