Forum

[Pat]

Hey
My Royal Enfield (bullet 500cc, 1995) is occasionally making a grinding noise when i apply the back break. Seems to be when im moving slower and i brake. Would this simply be the drume brake pads or is there something else happening?
Note that this is LS model.

Thanks

[jaffa90]

Whatever the case it needs inspecting to prevent any possible damge,it could be a build up of brake dust or worst case metal to metal (no shoes left).

[Alan R]

Hello PAT,---------- Whereabouts are you ?? A 1995 LS 500 you say----so it's NOT the current LS with the rear DISC brake then ?----- There shouldn't be any noise when braking.... I would be inclined to remove the rear wheel and check that your brake shoe linings are serviceable..... and at the same time wash and clean-out the drum and backplate assy..... You might just save the drum from being scrapped due to heavy scoring ??

[Alan R]

-------oopss, beat me to it there JAFFA 90. Yes, as you say--- might well prevent a ruined drum.

[steve a]

defentley take a look mine was making a noise when i braked it turned out one of the rear brake springs must have been weak cause it came off back wheel jamed up chain cameoff and took some teeth off the rear sprocket

[Beezabryan]

Knackered brake shoes or whatever.......DO NOT RIDE.........there is a problem....investigate and let us know what you find

[John R]

My bike (1989 350) does this when it has stood for a while. First few applications of the brake cause a snatch and a grinding noise. I put it down to a rusty drum, and I brake carefully until it's polished off!

[PeteF]

Pat, you say this sound is occasional. Is it when it's not been used for a bit? The drum is cast iron and will rust pretty quickly.

[Beezabryan]

There is some straw clutching here which is not good. If there is an unknown noise from ANY brake it must be investigated...... If it is a rust accumnulation or not the only way to be sure and be safe is to open up the brake..... there well be nothing untoward but until it is checked you know nothing.......FFS it is not rocket science....However the choice whether or not to risk life & limb by ignoring potentially life threatening problems is up to the individual