My wifes Vulcan 500 had a real annoying Squeel in her front brakes, so I took them apart and cleaned the pads. Now it has a slight noise when you apply them. The speed of the noise slows down as the bike slows done. You can't feel any vibration or shudder and Everything looks good. Maybe its time for new pads, even though they seem to have some life left in them. Its an 05 with original pads, but it only has 2565 miles on it. Any ideas?? Thanks

 

Most pads have some sort of "anti-squeal" backing; either a "stick-on" or already "stuck." If yours didn't come with anything and the pads are metal to metal against the pistons, you're getting a vibration squeal common to automobiles. If you don't have any heat-resistant gasket material in your garage, then put 2 stripes of high-temp gasket sealer across the back of the pads. Make sure they are absolutely cured before you slip them back into the caliper.
Welcome to the forums. Hope this helps.

 

jeff, from what I can tell, high temp sealer on the backs of the caliper pistons helps to prevent brake fluid boiling.

The squeal is contact compounds.

edit: cheaper than coating the pistons like brembo at least.

 

Huh? I said "back of the pads" not backs of the pistons. (?)
Not an IDEAL fix, but it does work, by eliminating the harmonic vibration. Make sure you get the stuff that will dry and cure.

 

You're correct, I worded it wrong. The backs of the pads in contact with the pistons. But the noise is the compound of the pad and rotor. You can take the pads out and lap them on course pavement to remove the glaze which will make a new surface contact sometimes. But a good piston/caliper cleaning is normally good to do at the same time.

 

Welcome To K.F. BigCedar
Myself, I would just replace them.
Good Luck

 

My wife and I went out for a dinner ride last night and they started squealing again. I'm going to replace them. Do you guys like Kaw OEM pads or after market? Thinks for all the advice, I love this site....Jay

 

Lmao! Yeah, this is a Great place be for good info & a good laugh at times.
Brakes..OEM work just fine. Its what ever your wallet likes

 

Drag and I are saying the same thing; it's cool.
Big, you can go out and buy another set of pads, but if you still have plenty remaining on the current set, you're probably wasting your money. However, I'd probably go with EBC, SBS, or Ferodo. I like Ferodo's on a bike, but they're pretty dusty on cars/SUV's.
It's your call.