rear drum brake noise

MacJac · Post by **MacJac** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:36 pm

I'm getting extreme squealing noise when applying the rear brake on my Rattler, and it's well below it's first maintenance schedule. It was dry out with very low humidity when it happened, and got progressively worse by the time I got home yesterday. I held in the rear brake in to see if there was any leakage, and none to be found. Anyone know what this could be before I bring it into the shop to be looked at?

Groovealufagus · Post by **Groovealufagus** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:54 pm

The rear brake is a drum brake, which has no fluid. It's just like the brakes on your bicycle. Rubber squeezing metal... it's going to squeak like that forever, so just get used to it.

And use less rear brake... 70% of your stopping power comes from the front brake, which is the disc brake. Apply just a little rear brake with the front brake while you begin to slow, then release it and finish your stop with the front brake.

MacJac · Post by **MacJac** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:01 pm

Thanks for the info! I've been giving the front a little brake as I stop while on the rear brake - the front is very touchy, so I know that only a little (like you say 30%) is plenty. Thanks again.

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:19 pm

huh...
my rear brake does not make any noise
I did have a problem where something got in the drum & everytime it went around, it make a clicking noise, when using the rear brake - dealer took care of it under warranty

MacJac · Post by **MacJac** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:51 pm

I have not taken the scooter out since - I probably shouldn't have jumped the gun with a 'how to' question so fast. I'll let you know if the squeaking continues.

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:06 am

We have 2 Rattlers, they both squeal(ed). To fix this, the rear wheel needs to be removed, the accumulated brake dust blown out of the brake AND the drum thoroughly, and a light sanding of the drum surface, and brakes shoes.

It's not rubber squeezing metal, it's brake pads squeezing metal and they don't need to squeak. Brake pads are partly asbestos, resins, fiberglass and other friction materials.

I received this remedy straight from the horse's mouth at Genuine, and it solves the squeal.

Yes the front brakes do the bulk of the stopping, but the rear brakes are VERY important too....don't rely solely on the front ones...fix the squeal and use them both properly as designed.

nissanman · Post by **nissanman** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:55 pm

Matt's right... as if he didn't know this already. Just wear a dust mask or do this outside. Brake dust is not the best for you (better than in the past, less asbestos now) to breathe in. You do use the front brakes for about 70% of your stopping power, and the 30% to the rear is important too. You'll stop quicker and safer with good braking balance. You wouldn't disconnect the rear brakes on your car would you?

MacJac · Post by **MacJac** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:10 pm

Thanks a lot for the info. My repair shop is only a few miles up the road from me, so I'm taking it there soon. They said it should only take a few hours and I can have it back the same day if I get it in first thing.