Name That (bad) Sound.

Hello,

I just changed my rotors for a pair of ECBs. One of the old factory rotors was out of round and knocking on the caliper.

Now however, there is a grinding noise when I brake and as I am getting close to a full stop there is an intermittent grind and thump. Nothing dangerous (no vibrations) though.

Last night I decided to break hard to test the ABS (raining) on a side street. There was a big thump, a vibration while braking and then when I started from 0 there was a noticeable rubbing noise.


One mechanic said that I didn't need to replace my brake pads...the other said I did...
I cheaped out though.

Any ideas what the noise is?

Simple stuff first!
Did you get the wheel spacers on the correct side? Is the wheel centered? Is either caliper's edge touching one side of a rotor?
:cool:

You should change out your pads when replacing with new rotors. Did you get the correct rotors...? Just asking. What could have happened is that the old pads may have a slight angle to it and it might have caught on one of the slots or such in the EBC rotors. Check to see if the pads are are still in their proper location. One may have popped out of place.

[image: View Post]stinkyfishy, on Jun 2 2009, 04:14 PM, said:

Hello,

I just changed my rotors for a pair of ECBs. One of the old factory rotors was out of round and knocking on the caliper.

Now however, there is a grinding noise when I brake and as I am getting close to a full stop there is an intermittent grind and thump. Nothing dangerous (no vibrations) though.

Last night I decided to break hard to test the ABS (raining) on a side street. There was a big thump, a vibration while braking and then when I started from 0 there was a noticeable rubbing noise.


One mechanic said that I didn't need to replace my brake pads...the other said I did...
I cheaped out though.

Any ideas what the noise is?

So there is a grinding noise while you brake AND a rubbing noise while riding down the road?

I do know that our calipers sometimes fail to align perfectly and cause some drag, and this can be fixed by carefully adjusting them, and isn't abnormal.

I just change to EBC contour rotors with slightly used EBC HH pads. I notice a clicking sound which may be the rotor buttons as I'm braking. There are also the loud occasional bang or clatter sound like something just fell off or struck my bike. However, I've also had the bike on the big track at Willow Springs and braking has been stellar so I'm not overly concerned. Think it's just the new rotors doing their job. They are designed different than stock. I will continue to try to correlate these sounds though.

Which rotors did you purchase from EBC? I will assume that you have felt what is like when the ABS kicks in and that it is definitely different than what you are describing? �Last night I decided to break hard to test the ABS (raining) on a side street. There was a big thump, a vibration while braking and then when I started from 0 there was a noticeable rubbing noise.� As far as the rubbing noise is concerned you should not hear it while riding down the road, maybe a slight hint of it when coming to that last little bit of a stop but no more. I do agree with Ryanme17 that the 4th gen. calipers do seem to have a tendency to get sticky or not align perfectly all the time. You should only hear this though while the engine is not running and you are able to freely spin the front or rear wheel. Turn the wheel around back and forth a few times and it should stop. This allows for the pressure within the system to subside and should also take into account for small imperfections of the rotor. If it does not then you have some issues. This is also remedied by making sure your brakes are bleed properly and to regularly clean and grease the pad pins. Remember the 4th gen. bikes are pretty old in comparison to the newer bikes and even if they have low miles, degradation and build-up over the years combined with a bent rotor can cause a lot of these issues as well.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Sorry everyone...did not notice it was an 02. Still applies though.

Thanks for all of the replies!

I just ordered a new set of ECB pads that I will install this weekend.

The noise is definitely not the ABS...though since my post (and the loud bang) everything seems to be 'better'.

Though the braking is not stellar. I am thinking that my old pads are worn to the old disc and I am not getting full contact on the pad. Hopefully new pads will correct this.

Cheers!

Dump that mechanic who suggested to use old pads with the new rotors. That's brakes 101 - replace rotors, replace pads.

[image: View Post]Rice, on Jun 5 2009, 01:46 PM, said:

Dump that mechanic who suggested to use old pads with the new rotors. That's brakes 101 - replace rotors, replace pads.

I'm on the steep learning curve of mechanics right now :)

personally unless the pads are glased i dont think they need to be replaced. you could take a little sandpaper to them though.

Not a problem with the learning curve...I think we can all appreciate that. That is why you are here and asking questions. One thing to also remember with new pads, is that they take a bit to seat. Find that groove. While seating you should most certainly follow the proper procedures. If you have a manual, it should tell you precisley how to do this. If not, do a search here and find a post or look in the "How To" section for help. While the pads are trying to seat or find their grove and not following the proper procedure, at hard braking the pad can/will move along with the floating caliper on the pins. Most likely you or the mechanic did not use a pad sealer on the back towards the piston. This may be used in some cases to stop/eliminate that sound when pads are in the process of seating. No everyone follows the correct procedure so, this helps to eliminate this sound when done from a stealership so one does not return and say "What the Hell". Most will not use it or say it is not needed. To each their own. That is why there a procedures. I also agree with Rice on the fact that you need to dump the mechanic who told you it was okay to use old pads with new rotors. I would also say in ericlee's case, to each their own. If you are comfortable in using the old pads then go for it but I and most would not agree. You will be sufficiantly reducing your stopping power and not using the full rotor. There will also be a greater risk of warping your new expensive rotors. One edge or half the pad will be using full force on only a portion of the rotor. Not good, even with track use and more breaking opportunities for the pad to be shaved down it would take a bit and there would be a greater chance of warping the rotor with the higher speeds, force applied and heat produced.