rear brake squeal but indicator still in "usable..

the brake indicator is about halfway in the "Usable range"

its a 1977 650.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Most aftermarket pads don't have the "squeal shim" on the back like factory pads. Mine squeal too, when you are old like me your hearing goes and it doesn't bother you anymore.:laugh:

You might try a little copper anti-sieze on the back of the pads. Please make sure that you do not put it on the friction surface. Put it on the metal backing plate where it contacts the piston and the caliper. Sometimes this helps.

Thanks for the replies. i forgot to mention that the rear brake is a drum :blink:

does that make a difference?

With drum brake, noise during brake application may be caused by dust, dirt, grit, etc. inside where the linings are rubbing against the drum.

Would disassemble the rear brake, and wipe it clean, being careful not to get any foreign substance on the linings or drum face surfaces. An air pressure blow gun is also helpful.

Won't hurt to scuff the linings with some fine dry sandpaper before re-assembly. Re-blow and re-wipe.

Inspect the linings for any apparent cracks or damage or excessive wear.

Rear drum brake linings may last a long time. Be sure the bonding between linings and shoes remains tight.

Good Fortune!

kz.chris wrote:

Thanks for the replies. i forgot to mention that the rear brake is a drum :blink:

does that make a difference?

In light of this, please disregard my advice. Do what Patton says, it's good advice. I was thinking disk brakes.

Thanks guys ill give that a shot!

Well hell, if you have to go through the trouble of disassembling, drum brake shoes are fairly cheap right and if already half worn... Possibly they started glazing on ya....

Swap them puppies out and clean as advised and be done with it... Ride on....

Per FSM for Z1, brake lining thickness standard is .1909~.2146" (4.85~5.45mm), with service limit (thinnest acceptable) @ .079" (2.00mm).

If needed ---
Click > Brake shoes from Z1E

Good Fortune!

kz.chris wrote:

... i forgot to mention that the rear brake is a drum ...

If the age of the rear brake shoes cannot be identified, replace them.
The adhesive that binds the lining to the shoe can fail over time. When it happens, the lining comes off & gets jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It happened to me when rolling the bike off the centerstand.... very lucky. I'd hate to have it happen at speed. I was also lucky in that it happened in the driveway, so all I had to do was put a piece of cardboard under the rear wheel & slide it into the garage. It would be a drag for it to happen miles from home... for lack of basic maintenance.

On my 77 650, I don't use my rear brake, front works fine. But I guess its nice to have it there.

JMKZHI wrote:

kz.chris wrote:

... i forgot to mention that the rear brake is a drum ...

If the age of the rear brake shoes cannot be identified, replace them.
The adhesive that binds the lining to the shoe can fail over time. When it happens, the lining comes off & gets jammed between the shoe & drum, locking the rear wheel. It happened to me when rolling the bike off the centerstand.... very lucky. I'd hate to have it happen at speed. I was also lucky in that it happened in the driveway, so all I had to do was put a piece of cardboard under the rear wheel & slide it into the garage. It would be a drag for it to happen miles from home... for lack of basic maintenance.

Wow! Glad it worked out OK.