FZ1 front calipor rattle - work around!

[b1k3rdude]

So like a lot of other FZ1 owner I am being iritated by the rattle on the front calipers

- https://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?topic=3139.0

In a nushell the calipers on the FZ1 dont seem to be of the same qaulity/design as the ones on my previous FZS1000. The rattle is caused by wear in the caliper body where the side of the pads touch the caliper.

From memory I think Gnasher said the best long term fix is to replace the calipers which those of an XJR or an FJ. before I start looking I thought I would ask if anyone found a work around for the issue.

I havent checked yet, but I think making sure the pistons all move freely may also help a bit (So when its not so hot outside, will so the push out, sctahcbright, push back on them)

[Gaz66]

I've a supply of special silicon grease in sachets, very expensive stuff too, designed for this very same issue on Honda front calipers, borrowed a good supply from the stores before the Honda dealership I worked for went tits up. :lol


If ya wanna try some, PM me, send a stamped 2nd class envelope.  :thumbup

[b1k3rdude]

Well its worth a punt, you have a PM.

[Gnasher]

There's several reason why pads rattle and the absolute last is the calipers themselves, they have to pretty bad to be honest.

Most common is aftermarket pad, dimensions most are slightly smaller.  Worn pad retaining shim/s these can loose their tension effect over time, allowing the pads to move, just bending them won't last either, replace them.  Worn retaining pins and/or a combination of some or all of these. 
 

[b1k3rdude]

• The absolute last is the calipers themselves, they have to pretty bad to be honest.
  
• Most common is aftermarket pad, dimensions most are slightly smaller. 
  
• Worn pad retaining shim/s these can loose their tension effect over time, allowing the pads to move.
  
• Worn retaining pins and/or a combination of some or all of these. 
  

• There is 'some' wear on the caliper bodies where the pads slide/rattle against but nothing that I havent seen before on several different bikes.
  
• I will check, but I think the bike came with EBC pads.
  
• Are you refering to the tension plate? - see attached
  
• Im sure I replaced my pins and it didnt help.
  

[Gnasher]

Yep No 19 

[b1k3rdude]

Yep No 19 

Ordered 2x from https://xjrparts.co.uk for £20 inc postage.

[teecee90]

I don't get any pad "rattle" but the pads do have some radial movement when applying the brakes resulting in an initial "knock" when the pad plates contact the caliper. There is also some slight wear in the caliper where this contact happens. Normal I assume.


(Gen 1)

[b1k3rdude]

• Most common is aftermarket pad, dimensions most are slightly smaller. 
  
• Worn pad retaining shim/s these can loose their tension effect over time, allowing the pads to move.
  
• Worn retaining pins and/or a combination of some or all of these. 
  

So I checked the EBC and SBS pads, need to find out what the OEM pads dimensions are to compare -

EBC FS380 (W - 69)    SBS 634 (69.2)
EBC FS380 (H - 50.4)    SBS 634 (51.03)
EBC FS380 (T - 8.7)    SBS 634 (8.8 )

The tension plates dont have a lip on the sides of the celiper to sit on, so the whole pads+clip assembly just rotates/pivots on the pins. As for the tension they are spot on, so in conclusion nothing wrong with the clips and the both pins were perfect, no wear on them at all.
So I have put some of the EBC anti-squeel back clip/shims on the pads, but dont think these will do anything for the rattle, but worth a try. I have also carefull put a bead of  some of the expensive silicon greese that Gaz66 sent me on the sids of the pads. Is these both do nothing then the next step is to replace the calipers.

And on the subject of replacement calipers @Gnasher, which year/s XJR/FJ calipers will be a direct bolt on as I am not buying another set of FZ1 calipers due to the inherant wear issue.

[Gnasher]

Any will fit. 

[b1k3rdude]

If ya wanna try some, PM me, send a stamped 2nd class envelope.  :thumbup

So I bought and fitted the missing 2x pair of ant-squeeze plates and applied a thin line of the Silicon grease Gaz sent me and the rattle is for the most part gone!