P500 Can't figure out where squealing noise is coming from

[ehart814]

So I recently replaced my front brake pads. I have a squealing noise, so that was the first thing I checked. The brakes were worn out, but not metal to metal. Put the new pads on, rode a bit, and the noise returned. So I checked the back brakes. The arrows weren't even close to lining up, but I disassembled them anyway. There was some mud build up in the caliper, but the pads are practically still new. Cleaned up things and re-assembled. Noise is still there. I tried pulling the parking brake slightly while I heard the noise - the parking brake did not make the noise go away when I pulled the lever. So now i'm pretty sure the noise is not brake related, even though it sounds like brake squealing.

Has anyone else had this problem? It's pretty annoying - high pitched squeal that is persistent. It is most noticeable when moving at low speeds, or like when I'm slowing down to pull off the road. I haven't noticed excessive mud and grass around the axles or anything else like that. What else should I check???

 

[JTW]

Do you have a cat?

 

[ehart814]

Helpful responses from actual Pioneer 500 owners are appreciated.

 

[ehart814]

Here are some pics of the rear brake pads when I removed them. You can see the shims and backing plate bent from mud being jammed in there.



I pulled them off and cleaned all the mud out, and straightened the metal plate so it is flat again. Didn't help my noise, but just thought I'd post the pics.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gator]

But I like JTW's response.

I had a rock stuck so that it rubbed against the rotor.
I assume you mean it squeals only when moving. (Like brakes)
It seems like it would have to be and object/debris or maybe your pads are just causing it. New pads or a really serious cleaning of the existing pads should resolve that.

 

[ehart814]

But I like JTW's response.

I had a rock stuck so that it rubbed against the rotor.
I assume you mean it squeals only when moving. (Like brakes)
It seems like it would have to be and object/debris or maybe your pads are just causing it. New pads or a really serious cleaning of the existing pads should resolve that.

Well that was exactly how I diagnosed it... so i installed brand new OEM front pads (they were worn out) and cleaned everything. No difference. So I removed the rear pads and cleaned everything. The pads were still in great shape so I put them back in. I made sure nothing is rubbing the rotor, other than the pads. I know what you mean about having a rock in there - I've heard that noise. My noise isn't quite that loud. If you're going more than probably 10 MPH you can't hear it. But when you're riding in trails at lower speeds it's constant, and it is loud enough to be very annoying. I was very surprised when the noise returned after removing and reinstalling the rear pads.

 

[JTW]

But I like JTW's response.

I had a rock stuck so that it rubbed against the rotor.
I assume you mean it squeals only when moving. (Like brakes)
It seems like it would have to be and object/debris or maybe your pads are just causing it. New pads or a really serious cleaning of the existing pads should resolve that.

He's clearly never had a cat crawl up and get caught in a fan belt!

I would replace the pads again.

 

[JACKAL]

So I recently replaced my front brake pads. I have a squealing noise, so that was the first thing I checked. The brakes were worn out, but not metal to metal. Put the new pads on, rode a bit, and the noise returned. So I checked the back brakes. The arrows weren't even close to lining up, but I disassembled them anyway. There was some mud build up in the caliper, but the pads are practically still new. Cleaned up things and re-assembled. Noise is still there. I tried pulling the parking brake slightly while I heard the noise - the parking brake did not make the noise go away when I pulled the lever. So now i'm pretty sure the noise is not brake related, even though it sounds like brake squealing.

Has anyone else had this problem? It's pretty annoying - high pitched squeal that is persistent. It is most noticeable when moving at low speeds, or like when I'm slowing down to pull off the road. I haven't noticed excessive mud and grass around the axles or anything else like that. What else should I check???

Check for small rocks in rear brake or jammed up in front brake system. May also try brake quiet from an auto parts store spaying it on the disc.

 

[SBuckJ]

I had the same issue...what was strange was after going through water it stopped for a while then came back...I never did find out what it was but it went away after about 50 miles of riding. I've had several strange noises on this machine I have to say...Now I have a bad squeak while turning the wheel while stopped,,,driving me crazy-LOL

 

[JTW]

I had the same issue...what was strange was after going through water it stopped for a while then came back...I never did find out what it was but it went away after about 50 miles of riding. I've had several strange noises on this machine I have to say...Now I have a bad squeak while turning the wheel while stopped,,,driving me crazy-LOL

I'm guessing it's something in the pad.

 

[trigger]

But I like JTW's response.

I had a rock stuck so that it rubbed against the rotor.
I assume you mean it squeals only when moving. (Like brakes)
It seems like it would have to be and object/debris or maybe your pads are just causing it. New pads or a really serious cleaning of the existing pads should resolve that.

I agree, it's a small rock somewhere.

 

[Montecresto]

So I recently replaced my front brake pads. I have a squealing noise, so that was the first thing I checked. The brakes were worn out, but not metal to metal. Put the new pads on, rode a bit, and the noise returned. So I checked the back brakes. The arrows weren't even close to lining up, but I disassembled them anyway. There was some mud build up in the caliper, but the pads are practically still new. Cleaned up things and re-assembled. Noise is still there. I tried pulling the parking brake slightly while I heard the noise - the parking brake did not make the noise go away when I pulled the lever. So now i'm pretty sure the noise is not brake related, even though it sounds like brake squealing.

Has anyone else had this problem? It's pretty annoying - high pitched squeal that is persistent. It is most noticeable when moving at low speeds, or like when I'm slowing down to pull off the road. I haven't noticed excessive mud and grass around the axles or anything else like that. What else should I check???

You hear every noise that the P5 makes though. Just ride buddy!!

 

[Gator]

Years of loud machinery and guns have cure all the squealing noises on my machine.

 

[hobbytrucker]

mins does it but its really noticeable when I turn to the right id say its brakes

 

[Molo]

mins does it but its really noticeable when I turn to the right id say its brakes

Did you ever figure it out? Mine is doing the same thing and mine is only a few months old. I cleaned my breaks as well but it didn't help at all. My breaks are in good shape too. Are there bearing hubs on these things. I haven't pulled the axles to check that.

 

[goonack]

I would say brakes. many brake pads are semi-metalic [ ground up metal mixed in] when thet get wet the rotors are washed clean of brake material this can cause a metal on metal sqeal

 

[Chadmwallis]

Mine does the same. I’m sure it’s the rear brake. If I spray water on it then it stops....but returns. I took apart and cleaned yet it is persistent. I just been dealing with it until I need new rear pads.

 

[snakeriver]

So I recently replaced my front brake pads. I have a squealing noise, so that was the first thing I checked. The brakes were worn out, but not metal to metal. Put the new pads on, rode a bit, and the noise returned. So I checked the back brakes. The arrows weren't even close to lining up, but I disassembled them anyway. There was some mud build up in the caliper, but the pads are practically still new. Cleaned up things and re-assembled. Noise is still there. I tried pulling the parking brake slightly while I heard the noise - the parking brake did not make the noise go away when I pulled the lever. So now i'm pretty sure the noise is not brake related, even though it sounds like brake squealing.

Has anyone else had this problem? It's pretty annoying - high pitched squeal that is persistent. It is most noticeable when moving at low speeds, or like when I'm slowing down to pull off the road. I haven't noticed excessive mud and grass around the axles or anything else like that. What else should I check???

Last week while out riding I picked up a piece of gravel that was rubbing on the right front.

 

[DG Rider]

I had the same issue...what was strange was after going through water it stopped for a while then came back...I never did find out what it was but it went away after about 50 miles of riding. I've had several strange noises on this machine I have to say...Now I have a bad squeak while turning the wheel while stopped,,,driving me crazy-LOL

I had this on the 700. It was nothing in the pad...and it did go away, but took a few thousand miles. I really think the seal or something at the wheel bearing was the cause, since water would stop it. Eventually went away, and never knew for sure what it was.

 

[Mudder]

Can you put it on a lift and run it to isolate the location?. I have a HF motorcycle lift that works for that. BTW, an update on brass brake pads, they squeal a bit.