How to Troubleshoot Squeaky Front Brakes on a Honda Motorcycle

Almost all motorcycles use disc brakes on the front wheel.

Motorcycles are not the safest of vehicles to begin with, and poor maintenance adds danger. The brakes on any vehicle require proper care to be effective. Poorly functioning brakes on a motorcycle reduce the stopping power and can put you at risk of locking up, which will send you flying over the handlebars. The most noticeable sign of poor brakes is a squeal. Troubleshooting squealing brakes on any motorcycle, including Hondas, is a simple process.

Instructions

1. Drive the motorcycle for approximately 15 minutes while using the brakes frequently. Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.

2. Look at the brake rotor, the disc, for signs of damage. Visible signs will be discoloration such as blue or black streaks or grooves along the rotor. Discoloration implies that the brakes are seriously overheating due to metal-on-metal contact. Grooves mean the shoes have worn unevenly. Replace the rotor and brake shoes if either situation occurs.

3. Touch the rotor lightly. Be careful; it may be hot. A very hot rotor indicates that the caliper is placing too much pressure onto the brake pad or the brake pad is worn out. Replace the brake pad as long as there are no physical signs of damage to the rotor. Drain the brake fluid while doing so and bleed the system. Excessive fluid in the brake lines can cause excessive pressure. Make sure to use DOT-4 brake fluid when refilling the system.

4. Feel the surface of the rotor. Intermittent squeaks that speed up while accelerating indicate the rotor is warped. You should be able to feel the warping of the rotor by running your hand over it. Replace the rotor. The squeaks with a warped rotor will usually stop when you apply the brakes.

5. Trace the brake lines to the front brakes looking for signs of leaks. A damaged seal in the caliper will leak fluid, leaving trace amounts of dirt and fluid on the caliper that can cause a brake to squeal when engaged. You will have to rebuild the caliper if you notice fluid on the pad, caliper or signs of a leak around the exterior of the pad. Leaks along the brake line are easily repaired by replacing the brake line.

6. Shift the bike into neutral and firmly grasp the front brake. Attempt to push the bike forward. The system is not fully engaging the caliper if you are able to move the wheel while the brake is engaged, which indicates you have air in the lines. Bleed the system following the directions for your specific model Honda.

Tips & Warnings

• You should take the motorcycle to a professional shop to have the brakes inspected if you are not accustomed to building or replacing brakes. The brakes can be very difficult to repair even with a shop manual.

References

• Bike Bandit: 2010 Honda CBR1000A: Front Wheels Schematic
• H-E-L USA: Motorcycle Brake Information Guide