Squeaky Brakes, Caliper Upgrade???

[RustyTank]

Not sure I'm posting this in the right area, I suppose it could go in the performance/tuning/mods area, but like I said I'm just not sure.

I have a 1979 GS850G with stock brake calipers. When the front brakes are cold, like when you first start out on a ride, they're very, very squeaky, really loud and obnoxious. Once they're warmed up they don't squeak. Out on a long trip, riding for hours, this isn't an issue, but tooling around town it's bloody embarrassing. The PO is a good friend of mine, and I rode this bike several times before buying it off him. He told me he'd tried different brake pads and that it didn't seem to make much difference. Also told me that the calipers on the 79 850's are known to be a problem in regards to the squeakiness. He also told me that from 1980 on Suzuki used different calipers on the 850 that didn't have the noise issue and that any later year 850 calipers will bolt right on to the 79 850. Can someone confirm this for me? Additionally, is there something that I can do to my stock brake pads or calipers to stop the squeakiness? Anyone else have this issue?

 

[hampshirehog]

The later callipers plug straight in and they provide much better braking. If you buy second hand (probably have to) give them a good overhaul before fitting ie clean / replace the pistons (fit stainless and they'll last forever), new seals and dust covers (though the later aren't needed with stainless pistons) and make sure the bleed nipple is free.

If you stick with your old brakes make sure there's a smear of copper grease on the back of the pads - that often cures squeakiness but it could be the pads themselves.

 

[Nessism]

The round puck calipers do tend to squeak. If you do upgrade be sure to change the brake lines to teflon/stainless and do a full system teardown and clean out. Personally, I wouldn't change the pistons unless they are pitted, but I'd change all seals with OEM parts. And I'd do OEM pistons too if necessary. I don't trust aftermarket brake system parts, other than brake lines, and have had poor experiences a number of times from K&L rebuild kits.

 

[RustyTank]

The round puck calipers do tend to squeak. If you do upgrade be sure to change the brake lines to teflon/stainless and do a full system teardown and clean out. Personally, I wouldn't change the pistons unless they are pitted, but I'd change all seals with OEM parts. And I'd do OEM pistons too if necessary. I don't trust aftermarket brake system parts, other than brake lines, and have had poor experiences a number of times from K&L rebuild kits.

Nessism, where do you like to purchase your new teflon/stainless brake lines from?

 

[Nessism]

Nessism, where do you like to purchase your new teflon/stainless brake lines from?

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?249857-Earl-s-Brake-Line-Thread

 

[salty_monk]

I have a set of the last generation off an 82 1100G complete with master (still sealed) that were rebuilt within the last couple of years (not many miles on the pads). They have NOS rubber lines but I'd still change them as although NOS they still have that "O" i.e. they are still old even if not used!
Would likely be cheaper than rebuilding what you have.
Let me know by Private message if you're interested.

You could also upgrade that model to twinpot brakes with the larger CBR rotors. Linky for that below.

 

[Guest]

Go with the twinpot conversion, best money you will spend on it. Not expensive either.

 

[Gorminrider]

You might try sanding the leading edges of the pads a little...it's temporary where it works.
or try Different pads...

other things to try is to clean the posts the calipers move on...if you know what I mean-calipers are two parts... These posts can get weirdly sticky so be very careful with greases. I know hi-temp ones shouldn't melt and flow onto pads etc ("brake-friendly') but some ...are just not suitable.

And,HampshireHog mentioned the backs of the pads...to add, I'm not so familiar with these round-pad calipers but the square ones ride on little stainless steel bits. This should all be clean...
for all this You will pretty much have to take the calipers off, but you don't have to disconnect them from the brakelines if you are comfortable working ...."awkwardly"
.

 

[RustyTank]

Go with the twinpot conversion, best money you will spend on it. Not expensive either.

You might try sanding the leading edges of the pads a little...it's temporary where it works.
or try Different pads...

other things to try is to clean the posts the calipers move on...if you know what I mean-calipers are two parts... These posts can get weirdly sticky so be very careful with greases. I know hi-temp ones shouldn't melt and flow onto pads etc ("brake-friendly') but some ...are just not suitable.

And,HampshireHog mentioned the backs of the pads...to add, I'm not so familiar with these round-pad calipers but the square ones ride on little stainless steel bits. This should all be clean...
for all this You will pretty much have to take the calipers off, but you don't have to disconnect them from the brakelines if you are comfortable working ...."awkwardly"
.

Thanks folks. I appreciate the info. I have a line on a set of 82 GS1100G front brake calipers, master cylinder and the rotors from salty_monk. I'm thinkin bout goin that route and seeing where it gets me.