[gt550]

First happened toward end of 400 mile trip. My Eluder has about 5.5k miles. After first time I heard it it does it always now at any speed. To duplicate/observe: at parking lot speed when I forcefully apply the hand brake lever (front right rotor I think) it makes a pulsating metallic friction sound, synchronized with me counting 1 ... 2 .... 3 .... 4 etc. at about a once per second rate.

I have to pull on the brake lever fairly strong associated with normal braking (i.e., not panic stop strong) I can not only hear this pulsating sound, but I can also feel a pulsating vibration in the handlebar.

I think also does it with foot brake lever - but definitely not as pronounced/obvious.

The rotors do not get excessively hot - and they are not showing any weird scratches or wear pattern.

If I gently pull on hand brake lever - no pulsing metal friction sound.

I swung by the shop and service counter guy took a look think brake pad replacement time. He looked and said plenty of brake pad left. Had no idea and unfortunately, next possible appointment is September.

Any ideas what this could be? I can take pictures if that would help. I hate not to ride for month of August if I don't have to. Hoping this might be something easy to fix???? HELP

 

[ecbaatz]

Sounds like you are activating your abs braking, which is normal when braking like that.

 

[gt550]

hi - thanks for input. I can see how you would say that given the lack of info I provided, however, I'm sure it's not abs, I do know the feel of abs, many miles on many bikes!

the abs pulses would be much quicker - these are spaced out . plus, it's kinda a metallic grinding sound and feel. third, why would abs go off each and every time I apply braking on all different road surfaces. at all different speeds. But, the main thing is I know how ABS feels and this ain't that .. Thanks though for your time and input

 

[gt550]

BTW - pretty country up there in Honor MI -

 

[lesblank]

What causes a brake squeal? Modern brakes use a cast-iron disc squeezed between two brake pads lined with friction material. Under the right conditions, the disc, the pads and the caliper they're mounted in can start to vibrate—in exactly the same way a violin's string vibrates when stroked by the horsehairs on the bow. Most brake squeals occur at a single discrete frequency. The speed of the vehicle and how hard you press down on the left pedal will only change the volume of noise, because the pitch is controlled by the stiffness and mass of the pad and disc. To stop the harmonics, apply some anti brake squeal to caliper side of pads. I do it to all brake jobs to eliminate this issue. See this resent post for example:

What did you do to your bike today?

@scootersage, does it still have the AIS on it? Those can contribute to that as well.

www.starbikeforums.com

 

[gt550]

Hi - not a squeal but more of a pulsating metallic grind. Def not a squeal.

Just had a thought, could it be the front wheel bearings??

 

[lesblank]

Gotcha, took you statement " it makes a pulsating metallic friction sound, synchronized with me counting 1 ... 2 .... 3 .... 4 etc. at about a once per second rate" as a squeal. Wheel bearing is a strong possibility. When you apply the brakes the weight shifts forward, putting more weight on front end and bearings. If you jack the front up you should be able to feel play in bearings of roughness while turning wheel if bearings are the issue. Another tell - tell sign of bad bearings is cupping in tire tread.

 

[gt550]

thanks, good info for sure.
I expanded my search to cars and that's where I got the wheel bearing idea. couple guys seemingly had the same problem and they replaced brake parts, like pads, even calipers - and the grinding was still there. Hopefully this will be covered by warranty.

 

[ecbaatz]

hi - thanks for input. I can see how you would say that given the lack of info I provided, however, I'm sure it's not abs, I do know the feel of abs, many miles on many bikes!

the abs pulses would be much quicker - these are spaced out . plus, it's kinda a metallic grinding sound and feel. third, why would abs go off each and every time I apply braking on all different road surfaces. at all different speeds. But, the main thing is I know how ABS feels and this ain't that .. Thanks though for your time and input

Ok, just was my first thought. Hope you figure it out.

 

[ecbaatz]

BTW - pretty country up there in Honor MI -

Yes it is, and nice riding if the weather cooperates.

 

[gt550]

Ok, just was my first thought. Hope you figure it out.

Thanks, me too. I would hate to loose the whole month, but ... August is prob my least favorite riding month. Much prefer fall and spring. If you ever rider down this way be sure to let me know.

 

[ecbaatz]

Thanks, me too. I would hate to lose the whole month, but ... August is prob my least favorite riding month. Much prefer fall and spring. If you ever rider down this way be sure to let me know.

I will do that, thank you for the invite.

 

[gt550]

Last weekend I rode up to the casino in Standish Mi -- the farther north I got the nicer the scenery for sure. Not sure I'd like the winters up there though LOL --- I lived in Winnipeg for six months --- that was brutal

 

[ecbaatz]

Last weekend I rode up to the casino in Standish Mi -- the farther north I got the nicer the scenery for sure. Not sure I'd like the winters up there though LOL --- I lived in Winnipeg for six months --- that was brutal

That is about 2.5 hours southeast of me.

 

[gt550]

wow, you are up there. how late in the year can you ride. last year I rode in dec and early jan no problemo -- pretty much Feb and March are bad.

up in Winnipeg winter comes hard in late October if I recall right

 

[ecbaatz]

I live west of Traverse City. I picked up this bike 1 Nov 2019. Put 908 miles on it by 31 Dec. Was unable to ride in January and February. So as long as the roads are clear I am willing to ride. I can always put more clothes on.

 

[gt550]

Issue solved, don't know how I missed it. a single bolt on the right front caliper had worked it's way loose and gone. That was it.