gs 550 rear brake pads question

[egetron]

I just picked up a troublesome 1980 Suzuki GS 550e
Here's a previous thread for some context:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=46853.0

anyway, I was getting a squeak from my rear brakes, so I took them apart

Here's what they look like. There was a rear red goo on the back of the pads. After some research, I think it might be CRC anti-squeak goo. But it's clearly not working.

Apparently That's what my brakes are supposed to look like. I have no brake shims. And it looks like my pistons seals and boots are one thing... or one of them is missing.

Also these pads look pretty bad, but I'm not sure what that means. Do I need to order the brake shims? Are these pads in terrible condition? Also, how can I tell if my rotor is ok? When I drag my fingernail over it, it snags a little, and it definitely feels pretty uneven (in comparison to the front) when I rub my finger over it.

 

[ronnie]

To check the rotor, lay it flat on a true flat surface, like a piece of glass, sheet of thick metal that's true, or a stone counter. If it rocks any which way it's warped. If jot your good. If it's warped you should probably get a new one, cause getting it turned won't help much. But if it's not warped you should bring it to an auto parts store, Car Quest, and get it turned and smoothed back out.

As for the caliper and pads, a rebuild kit is too cheap not to get one and replace everything. Also the pads are relatively cheap as well, 20-40 buck probably, so I would change them too especially if you get the rotor turned.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[egetron]

Not sure if this was bad to do, but just to see the pistons doing their thing, I pumped the rear brake pedal with the caliper detached, I noticed that only the outside piston was moving in. You can see it in this picture.

Also, the inside caliper is badly worn as shown in the dotted area.

Will a caliper rebuild kit fix this? Or do I need to buy a new rear caliper?

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

It's brakes, don't mess around.
From the look of the pad, the disk is heavily grooved. Warped or not, it needs to be cut or replaced, and the depth of those grooves suggest that it would be too thin if cut. So replace it.

The pistons in the caliper, seals, and boots are all replaceable. The shims should be installed per the drawing. They cause the pads to apply pressure more evenly, and reduce squeaking.

Fixed, the brakes will work so much better. they will be more controllable and silent....

My opinion anyway....

 

[egetron]

Thanks for the information, guys. I've ordered new seals, boots, shims, and pistons.

3 Questions:

1.a. Any idea what that red goo is? 1.b. Should I use the same goo on the back of the pads or use some sort of grease instead?

2. What kind of brake pads should I get? (I just ordered EBC FA36 Kevlar pads, I'm hoping this is right)

3. What's the cheapest (but still effective) rotor I can find? Suzuki OEM or Aftermarket?

 

[ronnie]

1. I have never used any grease or goo on any of my brakes, cars or motorcycle.. Not something you want lubricated. The new piston and seals should be enough to keep the piston lubed up.

2. I'm getting EBC HH pads for my Katana frontend on my 400f.. I hear the HH are great pads.

3. I'm using OEM CBR rotors on my frontend on my 400f. They were used but in good shape, OEM rotors new are pretty pricey, but thats for you to decide. I have no experience with the asian knockoff rotors, but I hear they are hit or miss on quality.