triumphs
[Top] [All Lists]

TR4 Disc Brakes Chirping Problem

To: "Triumph List" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: TR4 Disc Brakes Chirping Problem
From: "Brian Sanborn" <sanborn@net1plus.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 09:32:41 -0400
Hey Listers,

I've got a problem I need some help with.

I rebuilt my front suspension and brakes this winter.  On the
brakes... I used new chrome pistons and rebuild kits from TRF,
new rotors from TRF... the made in Italy brand, new TRF disc pads
(but about 2+ years old from a parts sale), new anti-squeal shims
(TR6 style with cutaway) from TRF and new pins and clips.

I have a persistent chirping that occurs when I am driving along
on local roads at about the 45 MPH range that is driving me nuts.
If I step on the pedal the brakes are right there... hard and
strong.  For just an instant has the brakes go from off to on
there is a squeal but no hint of a squeal when brakes are applied
light or hard.  If I try carefully to press real lightly on the
pedal... I can bring on the constant squeal for a longer period.

It doesn't happen (or I can't hear it) at higher speeds on the
interstate.  This is true even when driving with those "Jersey"
concrete barriers close by on the driver's side where I would be
sure to hear every sound.

At first, after the rebuild, I also noticed that the problem
could be brought on by turning the wheel back and forth.  Based
on this I checked the new wheel bearings for play and found some.
I had a problem with the wheel bearing felt seal making it hard
to judge the setting for the new wheel bearings.  I found out
later I was supposed to set them first without the seals in place
and then put them back in. I tightened these up and that symptom
went away.

I have tried going back to the beat up old original anti-squeal
shims and that helped a lot. But, it still happens... especially
when I have driven about 5 miles and the brakes are all warmed
up. I can make the noise go away for about 10-15 secs if tap on
the brake pedal and move the pads back close to the rotor.

I had absolutely no squealing or chirping before the rebuild.

I have thought of swapping in the old, but still in spec
rotors.... trying a different set of pads and/or using some of
the aftermarket products that are used to coat the backs of the
pads.

Any wisdom is appreciated.  BTW... I do remember fighting brake
squeal all the time back on my original TR4 in the 60s.

Brian Sanborn
'62 TR4  CT16260L-O - Groton, MA

My TR4 Restoration Web Site
http://www.net1plus.com/users/sanborn

///  triumphs@autox.team.net mailing list
///  To unsubscribe send a plain text message to majordomo@autox.team.net
///  with nothing in it but
///
///     unsubscribe triumphs
///


<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>