Front brakes squeal...this feels like a saga in the making

[Bobcat_imp]

Brought the bike back to the dealer today. Sunny day, so they were able to ride the bike and do their thing.

First off, the Service Manager called Honda to see whether they would authorize a warranty job for squealing brakes. Apparently the answer was yes, because he went ahead with the job. I told him what people here have been advising, i.e., apply brake grease behind the pads, and file off the edges of the pads.

Those two things are exactly what Honda recommended to his service tech, and that's what the guy did.

When the job was finished, I took her out for a quick hundred-mile spin in the foothills. There was one instance when I thought I might have heard some slight squealing, so I removed my earplugs and rode the rest of the way without them. I'm not sure, but there was one additional time when I thought I might have heard a tiny bit of squeal, but it was iffy. It may have been the cars in front of and beside me. Otherwise, there were many other slow, gradual stops that were completely silent. I tried like crazy to make them squeal, and even without earplugs they passed all my usual tests.

So, either it's 100% fixed, or very close to 100%. Hopefully this proves to be a permanent solution.

I have had the same issue with my 2017 EX and plan to bevel the pad edges and add some grease to interface between the pads and pistons. I'll reply back once I know if it solves my problem.

Just a note for anyone who might be planning to perform the same procedure: the factory service manual states that the caliper mounting bolts need to be replaced rather than reused. I assume that means they are a torque-to-yield type of bolt. The part number for the bolt is 90131-MGC-000.

Brought the bike back to the dealer today. Sunny day, so they were able to ride the bike and do their thing.

First off, the Service Manager called Honda to see whether they would authorize a warranty job for squealing brakes. Apparently the answer was yes, because he went ahead with the job. I told him what people here have been advising, i.e., apply brake grease behind the pads, and file off the edges of the pads.

Those two things are exactly what Honda recommended to his service tech, and that's what the guy did.

When the job was finished, I took her out for a quick hundred-mile spin in the foothills. There was one instance when I thought I might have heard some slight squealing, so I removed my earplugs and rode the rest of the way without them. I'm not sure, but there was one additional time when I thought I might have heard a tiny bit of squeal, but it was iffy. It may have been the cars in front of and beside me. Otherwise, there were many other slow, gradual stops that were completely silent. I tried like crazy to make them squeal, and even without earplugs they passed all my usual tests.

So, either it's 100% fixed, or very close to 100%. Hopefully this proves to be a permanent solution.

I have had the same issue with my 2017 EX and plan to bevel the pad edges and add some grease to interface between the pads and pistons. I'll reply back once I know if it solves my problem.

Just a note for anyone who might be planning to perform the same procedure: the factory service manual states that the caliper mounting bolts need to be replaced rather than reused. I assume that means they are a torque-to-yield type of bolt. The part number for the bolt is 90131-MGC-000.

I understand that they are an ALOC bolt with blue Loctite pre-applied.
Don't know if bolt stretch is the issue or just be sure to use Loctite.
If you do re-use, be sure to first remove old Loctite with wire brush and/or acetone, etc.

Perfection is a real problem. I realize this now, with this bike. The cosmetics are so gorgeous that I lose my mind the second I spot a speck of grease on a wheel, a scuff mark where my knees contact the side of the tank, a swirl pattern or slight haze on the tank, polish lines in the instrument display, etc.

I was similarly anal about my first VFR. I haven't been that anal about any other bike, until now, with this CB1100.

I really need to knock it off, before I drive myself crazy and/or stop enjoying the bike.

Is crazy really such a negative thing?!

Someone on another site pointed out that the Honda service manual specifies the use of thread locking compound when reusing bolts that need it, so it may not be a matter of simply putting Loctite on the old caliper bolts. I can't say if this is correct, but the logic makes sense to me. After some consideration I decided to order four new bolts on-line for about $2.50 USD each. Perhaps completely unnecessary, but I'll sleep better!

[Lord Popgun]

Bobcat,

It is never wrong to follow the service manual. But sometimes it is goofy. Like, it says to replace the handlebar weight screws if removed. Yeah, ok.

I mentioned the caliper bolt replacement requirement to my dealer’s service manager (50 years wrenching Hondas) and he laughed. Take that for what it’s worth—maybe nothing.

[Tim_imp]

You are most likely right about the rotors being contaminated from the start. I would make them replace the pads no charge if it was me. (what type of dealer cant ride in the rain?) Did you take it to the Wizard of Oz Honda dealer? Anyway, replace the pads, make certain the disks are true, and if it was me, I would make certain the backs of the new disks were treated with anti squeal spray just to pad your bet. Once you treat them the pads can no longer vibrate back and forth and cause your issue. Good Luck

[j3gq_imp]

Brought the bike back to the dealer today. Sunny day, so they were able to ride the bike and do their thing.

First off, the Service Manager called Honda to see whether they would authorize a warranty job for squealing brakes. Apparently the answer was yes, because he went ahead with the job. I told him what people here have been advising, i.e., apply brake grease behind the pads, and file off the edges of the pads.

Those two things are exactly what Honda recommended to his service tech, and that's what the guy did.

When the job was finished, I took her out for a quick hundred-mile spin in the foothills. There was one instance when I thought I might have heard some slight squealing, so I removed my earplugs and rode the rest of the way without them. I'm not sure, but there was one additional time when I thought I might have heard a tiny bit of squeal, but it was iffy. It may have been the cars in front of and beside me. Otherwise, there were many other slow, gradual stops that were completely silent. I tried like crazy to make them squeal, and even without earplugs they passed all my usual tests.

So, either it's 100% fixed, or very close to 100%. Hopefully this proves to be a permanent solution.

Hi there, is there a chance you could specify exactly what brake grease was used, and may be (if you remember) post a photo showing where exactly is was applied ?
On one product the description says "apply everywhere but disk facing side of pad". I'd like it a little more specific, in particular since what you did really worked for you.

[VLJ_imp]

j3qq, nothing worked for me. I replaced the pads, tried carbon grease, tried another specially designed "eliminate brake squeal" product, filed the edges of both sets of pads, had American Honda measure and inspect the rotors and calipers, etc. In the end they told me, "They're fully floating rotors. They squeal sometimes. It's perfectly normal. Don't worry about it."

In order to eliminate the squeal I suspect that Honda will need to resort to what Triumph did in the second model year of the T120, when they added the large, hard rubber bushing to the front rotors.

[pdedse]

My "solution"...at speed apply mainly front brake till squeal-squak-screech (fun words!) begins, begin decrease in front brake pressure while simultaneously applying more rear brake pressure. Once stopped, look left and right to observe how many people are staring at me.... convince myself it is because the bike is beautiful and not because of the squeal-squak-screech.

[VLJ_imp]

Yeah, I eventually gave in and changed my braking technique as I rolled to slow stops. I used just the rear brake right at the very end, which required a stupid-looking quick dancing of my feet in order to get them down before coming to a complete stop.

That squeal from the front brake was the only real fly in the ointment. My bike could have also used more torque down low, and more top-end power, but after a decent while riding the bike the way it was intended to be ridden I had pretty much stopped caring about such things.

I miss both bikes a lot. One might not expect me to miss the Z900 on which I got clobbered, but that was a great bike too. The CB, though, dammit, that was more than just a bike to me. That CB1100 was probably my favorite possession, even over my guitars.

You know what it was? I think it comes down to the simple feeling that every day on that red beauty was a good day. More so than any other bike I've ever ridden or owned, my CB1100 truly delivered on the promise, even the romantic ideal, of what riding a motorcycle is supposed to be all about.

[active1951_imp]

Through the years, on my single front disk bikes, to stop squeal and to stop better, I "rough up" or scratch the rotor. Make scratches across the rotor, where pad contacts the rotor.
On dual disks, I usually don't need to do it.

[pdedse]

Yeah, I eventually gave in and changed my braking technique as I rolled to slow stops. I used just the rear brake right at the very end, which required a stupid-looking quick dancing of my feet in order to get them down before coming to a complete stop.

That squeal from the front brake was the only real fly in the ointment. My bike could have also used more torque down low, and more top-end power, but after a decent while riding the bike the way it was intended to be ridden I had pretty much stopped caring about such things.

I miss both bikes a lot. One might not expect me to miss the Z900 on which I got clobbered, but that was a great bike too. The CB, though, dammit, that was more than just a bike to me. That CB1100 was probably my favorite possession, even over my guitars.

You know what it was? I think it comes down to the simple feeling that every day on that red beauty was a good day. More so than any other bike I've ever ridden or owned, my CB1100 truly delivered on the promise, even the romantic ideal, of what riding a motorcycle is supposed to be all about.

Every time I reread your CB1100 review(s) or read of your fondness for the 2017EX in particular, makes me want to go out for a ride! How long has it been now since the accident?

[peterbaron]

Through the years, on my single front disk bikes, to stop squeal and to stop better, I "rough up" or scratch the rotor. Make scratches across the rotor, where pad contacts the rotor.
On dual disks, I usually don't need to do it.

^^+1^^, occasional squealing does not necessarily indicate a problem.