New brakepads, certain issues...

EthioKnight · February 8th, 2012, 08:24 PM

Hi,
I recently changed my front end brake pads with the EBC sintered HH pads and have ridden the bike for about 50 miles or so. Initially all was well, but after a certain point, I started hearing a rubbing noise coming from the front area at low speeds. This noise is also accompanied with a slight rhythmic shake/tremor that I feel through the handle bars. I tried to look for answers and came across this on EBC's website.

Quote:

Most noise problems come in the first few miles of use and pads must be given a chance to bed-in. Bed-in times are extended if rotor is not turned or surface is off-flat. Even the slightest hollow in the surface of the rotor can extend bed-in time up to 500 miles

Do y'all think the symptoms I'm experiencing is normal and a result of this "bed in time" or should I start worrying about a possibly warped rotor?
FYI, the brakes work well and I've been avoiding making any hard stops. I also cleaned the pistons and caliper thoroughly with brake cleaner during the change, so I don't suppose contaminants are the issue.
Any advice/comment will be appreciated.
Thanks.

reaperw · February 9th, 2012, 12:26 AM

Why did you change the pads out,were they low or just looking for better stopping.After I changed mine there was no noise.Do you have a front stand to lift front wheel off the ground so you can turn it slowly to find out where the noise is comming from
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Domagoj · February 9th, 2012, 12:30 AM

I had a similar experience, except that I cleaned my pistons after I changed the pads. (I should have done it when changing but...heh)
Thing went on for another ~100 miles and then it stopped. Disc on my bike is not warped. It is really simple to measure, so it might be a good idea to check just in case.

bkh2 · February 9th, 2012, 02:33 AM

I don't quite remember, but I think I replaced mine with the same brand that you did. After I replaced mine, I went for a ride around the block. I gently and constantly applied the brakes slightly to help wear the pads to match my rotor surface. I think the noise you're describing is okay. How many miles have you gone with the new brake pads? My advice would be to use both brakes to slow down gradually instead of engine braking, at least for a few miles. This should help with the 'bedding time.' Keep in mind that I haven't been riding very long and I've only changed my brake pads once, so... yeah.

Vampyre · February 9th, 2012, 05:41 AM

It takes a good 150mi for new pads to match old rotors. If they weren't wobbling before, I would try and wait a little bit longer to see if it goes away. Also EBC are noisier than stock.

EthioKnight · February 9th, 2012, 09:21 AM

Thanks for the comments guys

. I'll continue to monitor the situation while using the brakes smoothly/lightly. I'll probably clean the whole caliper again and might also use a very light sand paper to clean the rotor of any residue left behind by my earlier pads and see what that does.
@reaperw, here's the reason why I decided to change my pads http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95284 (short story - worn pads) and I'll be ordering a front stand today.
Thanks all.

choneofakind · February 9th, 2012, 09:27 AM

Did you ever get this issue sorted out as to if the rotor is for sure not warped? If that rotor is warped, that might be significant enough to make some noise.

Basically, your "new" noise might not have anything to do with your new brake pads. It might just be because of a pre-existing issue, and the fact that it's showing up now might be purely coincidental.

EthioKnight · February 9th, 2012, 03:08 PM

I'm afraid not bro. I've ordered a front stand but until it comes and I can determine the "health" of the rotors, I will not rule out rotor wrappage.

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February 9th, 2012, 12:26 AM	#2
reaperw ninjette.org member Name: Ian Location: newmarket Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 191	Why did you change the pads out,were they low or just looking for better stopping.After I changed mine there was no noise.Do you have a front stand to lift front wheel off the ground so you can turn it slowly to find out where the noise is comming from Posted via Mobile Device

February 9th, 2012, 12:30 AM	#3
Domagoj ninjette.org guru Name: Domagoj Location: Rijeka, Croatia Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396	I had a similar experience, except that I cleaned my pistons after I changed the pads. (I should have done it when changing but...heh) Thing went on for another ~100 miles and then it stopped. Disc on my bike is not warped. It is really simple to measure, so it might be a good idea to check just in case.

February 9th, 2012, 02:33 AM	#4
bkh2 ninjette.org guru Name: Ben Location: R'lyeh Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 GSXR 750; 1983 CB750SC Posts: 277	I don't quite remember, but I think I replaced mine with the same brand that you did. After I replaced mine, I went for a ride around the block. I gently and constantly applied the brakes slightly to help wear the pads to match my rotor surface. I think the noise you're describing is okay. How many miles have you gone with the new brake pads? My advice would be to use both brakes to slow down gradually instead of engine braking, at least for a few miles. This should help with the 'bedding time.' Keep in mind that I haven't been riding very long and I've only changed my brake pads once, so... yeah.

February 9th, 2012, 05:41 AM	#5
Vampyre ninjette.org sage Name: Joseph Location: Winter Park, FL Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Black, 2005 ZX-6R Blue Posts: 623	It takes a good 150mi for new pads to match old rotors. If they weren't wobbling before, I would try and wait a little bit longer to see if it goes away. Also EBC are noisier than stock.

February 9th, 2012, 09:21 AM	#6
EthioKnight Super Noob Name: Alex Location: Mobile, AL Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, '84 Honda Spree 50cc Posts: A lot.	Thanks for the comments guys . I'll continue to monitor the situation while using the brakes smoothly/lightly. I'll probably clean the whole caliper again and might also use a very light sand paper to clean the rotor of any residue left behind by my earlier pads and see what that does. @reaperw, here's the reason why I decided to change my pads http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95284 (short story - worn pads) and I'll be ordering a front stand today. Thanks all.

February 9th, 2012, 09:27 AM	#7
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Did you ever get this issue sorted out as to if the rotor is for sure not warped? If that rotor is warped, that might be significant enough to make some noise. Basically, your "new" noise might not have anything to do with your new brake pads. It might just be because of a pre-existing issue, and the fact that it's showing up now might be purely coincidental.

February 9th, 2012, 03:08 PM	#8
EthioKnight Super Noob Name: Alex Location: Mobile, AL Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, '84 Honda Spree 50cc Posts: A lot.	I'm afraid not bro. I've ordered a front stand but until it comes and I can determine the "health" of the rotors, I will not rule out rotor wrappage.