Hey Everybody.
I've been a member for a little over a year and have been riding my rig, '97 GL1500A/Friendship II, since January this year. My dog Genghis and I successfully completed our run from our home in northern Florida to Everett, Washington and back during June/July. I ride everyday, to work, the grocery store, wherever, and am an avid photographer to boot. Some pics can be seen at the following:
Now, for my question: does anyone with a CS Friendship have a sqealing problem with the brake? It's been doing it since I got the rig. I've checked the brake assembly extensively and can't find a problem. It sounds the worse when the rotor is a little warm and you apply brake pressure gently, like when you're rolling to a stop at a light. I'm at a point now where I'm going to contact California Sidecar and see if they have an answer. In the meantime, info from our club would be welcome.
Thanks a lot.
PS. How can I post a picture with my B/Board profile?
Forget about the picture, I finally figured it out.
I'm not familiar with the California Brakes, but in an earlier life as a JRT mechanic, we would put a coat of latex house paint on the back side of the brake pads, where they contact the piston of the brake caliper. Then assemble it while the paint is still a bit sticky. Seemed to work especially well on small pads like a sidecar would have.
OK, here's the follow-up to my brake situation:
I've taken the rig brake pads & the ones from the front wheel of the bike and did the "Quiet Brake" treatment, you know, applying the vibration absorbing gunk on the back of the pads. Anywho, it didn't work. I rechecked the caliper/rotor alignmenet, rechecked for cleanliness (sprayed everything down with brake cleaner) put it all back together, took it out for a spin and----EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! when I hit the front brake. I'm beginning to think that it's the pad construction, but you'd think that Brembo would have that figured by now.
I haven't received an answer back by email from California Sidecar yet, so I guess I'm going to have to phone them next week and find out what gives.
If anyone else has any ideas, I'm all ears.
Thanks.
Wingrigger
Well Mark, I'm waiting for the answer too. My Ca Companion GT has the same affliction. I have just learned to live with it and everyone around knows when I'm stopping VBG Please keep us updated!
My California Frendship III make no sound at all.
Brake more agressively to seat the pads. Mine only squeal when the sidecar brake is applied conservatively.
