Squeaky front wheel on GN250

[Normandy]

Hi there, the front wheel on my GN250 motorcycle has developed a screeching sound which I think is on the Disk pad. Ive tried spraying CRC and washing the pads, but the issue still remains. Is this something that can be easily resolved? Is it safe to ride it in the meantime?
Any suggestions would be appreciated, as im not sure whats wrong with it.

Thanks :woohoo:

[JimO]

could be wheel bearings, if it was brakes it would be locking up

[jellywrestler]

explain the bit "crc and washing the pads" a bit more please, be nice to know exactly what you've done here

[Normandy]

explain the bit "crc and washing the pads" a bit more please, be nice to know exactly what you've done here

Well I cleaned the Front Wheel Disk brake and used a small amount of CRC, I didnt want to drench it else the brakes wouldnt work properly.
It fixed the problem a few dozen kilometers, then the noise was back again, and its getting worse

[FJRider]

How much meat is left on the pads ... ???

[Normandy]

How much meat is left on the pads ... ???

Im not sure, but the noise occurs even without using the front brakes.

[jellywrestler]

Well I cleaned the Front Wheel Disk brake and used a small amount of CRC, I didnt want to drench it else the brakes wouldnt work properly.


if it's CRC 5.56 or similar bad move, remove the pads and take to the nearest landfill, CRC is a lubricant, Brakes don't like lubricants and it will have soaked into your pads.

CRC is a brand name they also make a product called brake clean as do other similar product brands.

[Normandy]

if it's CRC 5.56 or similar bad move, remove the pads and take to the nearest landfill, CRC is a lubricant, Brakes don't like lubricants and it will have soaked into your pads.

CRC is a brand name they also make a product called brake clean as do other similar product brands.

well F%*k!

[jellywrestler]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/brakes/auction-482606259.htm

[mossy1200]

Take the caliper off and jack the front off the ground and spin listening for noise. It should keep spinning for long time and quietly. Bin the pads and get some new ones. Clean the disc with brake clean and clean rags or brake clean sprayed onto 600 grit sandpaper by spinning wheel and holding paper onto disc(softly). Grit and brake cleaner work well together. Make sure the pots move in and out by squeeze brake lever (small squeeze until visable movement of pistons) and when you release they should retract again.

[CookMySock]

GN250? Just check the brake pads aren't rubbing on the rim. See pic.

<img src="http://downtube.com/images/Brake_Adjustment/Brakes_(Identified_Parts).jpg">

[hayd3n]

usually caused by caliper piston binding have a looksie for a service manual for you bike , if in doubt contact a motorcycle shop for actual advice rather than a keyboard warrior's reply

[sinfull]

usually caused by caliper piston binding have a looksie for a service manual for you bike , if in doubt contact a motorcycle shop for actual advice rather than a keyboard warrior's reply

A screeching noise ? Crikey !

well F%*k!

Does anyone do them basic maint. nights at local bike shops anymore, there must be dozens of young riders out there like this fella, who ride their bike to the point of falling apart, with no idea !

It's the little things that matter, Like brakes for example ! Or even the use of locktite, where to use it, which colour ?

[Akzle]

if it's CRC 5.56 or similar bad move, remove the pads and take to the nearest landfill, CRC is a lubricant, Brakes don't like lubricants and it will have soaked into your pads.

CRC is a brand name they also make a product called brake clean as do other similar product brands.+1 for this. i nearly shat upon reading that you sprayed your brakes with CRC. tsktsk. who told you to do that??

uhh. squealing originating from the brakes.. could be grit/gravel anywhere near the calipers/pads, else if your pads are low (unlikely if it went away after "cleaning") it'll be the metal "brake-pad-wear-indicators"

but yeah, you're in for new pads now. :doh:

to clean: buy a 750ml can of brakeleen (CRC brand) or "brake, clutch and parts cleaner" (any other brand), douse the f*ck out of: disc and caliper, blow out/dry with compressed air.
if the surface of your discs looks shite then do the wet-n-dry sandpaper thing as suggested, also check the edges and any grooves/slots/vents for burring and remove with a file or drill or knife, depending how clever you are.

if it's not actually in the brakes, and/or you're some kind of n00b, it'll be the front wheel bearing. needs dismantling, flushing and re-packing with grease, at very least. replacement if it's shot.

[GSF]

well F%*k!

This is why it's really important to jump on here and ask before doing any mucking about with brakes or shocks if you're not really sure what you're doing. Wangling with your engine or carbies or 'lectrics is allright, worst you can do is make your bike not go (or blow up). But fiddling with the things that make you stop and turn can end really badly if you do cock something up and not realise.

If it's screeching brakes it is probably:

-misaligned pad
-warped rotor
-brake pad worn (some pads have metal backers, idea being that once the pad wears really low the metal pokes through and screeches to tell you "change your pads")
-a combination of all three

Or there might be a little stone or bit of crud stuck in there. If there's a little stone it'll be putting a nice fresh shiny lookin' scratch all around your rotor.

[FJRider]

Im not sure, but the noise occurs even without using the front brakes.

The screeching can be caused by metal on metal. That means the metal backing of the pads is against the disc. A common occurance to those that cant be bothered to do regular checks ... It is usually easy to see if you look.

When the pads are at minimum thickness (or less) .... the piston can be past the point where it retracts when brakes are released. Often on an angle as well .... and distorts the seal. Then the problems really begin.