Oh, those brakes!!!

[jcmseven]

I decided to post this in the JD forum rather than the UTV forum, thinking some of our JD dealer tech guys may have some insight into my problem. I have an 825i Gator with about 45 hours on it. I use it to do usual site hauling and I plow snow in winter, which I did this past year. I have the optional aluminum wheel/Maxxis Bighorn tire/wheel kit on mine. Over the past three months I have developed a very annoying chirp from what I think are my brake calipers. The vehicle stops fine and my parking brake, etc works well. The machine does not pull and there seems to be no drag when running it. I have checked torque specs on the lugnuts to make sure they are not over tightened and tire pressures--just doing the obvious things. I recently went from the silver alloy wheels to the black alloy wheels, but the machine did this before the swap. I recall having a moderate amount of "brake dust" on the right front wheel, which I suspect is the culprit wheel. Now that I have the blacked out wheels I cannot tell about this, but it seems this is still the culprit wheel. I do live in the mountains and use the brakes often hard but in looking at the rotors and pads I see no scarring or unusual wear. About two months ago I took the Gator in for service and asked my dealer to look at it. They mentioned there was no "PIP" on this problem and that when checked on the lift there appeared to be no drag, but the tech did notice the noise. He indicated that it would go away once the pads were seated, but at nearly 50 hours of hard use, it is--if anything--worse. Although I suspect this has no detrimental effect on the performance of the machine, it drives me nuts and I feel detracts from the enjoyment of using what amounts in my spec a nearly $20,000 machine. Any suggestions?? Bear in mind my dealer is over 2 hours away so I need better insight than I currently have before making the trek, lest I come back same as before. Thanks.

John M

 

[Zebrafive]

I think I would ask the dealer to replace the pads under warannty and see if that cures the problem.

 

[Dutch445]

John,
would you describe it as a brake grab noise? or do you
think it's in the brake assembly/pads/caliper area?

 

[jcmseven]

Caliper/assembly area for sure.

John

 

[AKfish]

I'd look at the rotor surface for obvious irregularities - shiny worn area and duller less worn areas. Basically, "high and low spots".

Best to remove the front wheels and inspect. Also, you can turn the axle and viewing from the front, look for possible damage to the rotor - rock strikes, etc.

If that's the case, you'll need a new rotor - or have it milled - re-adjust the surface. Of course, with a new rotor you should replace the brake pads as well.

AKfish

 

[Dutch445]

I've read about some cases where they recommend using
lube on the back side of the brake pads and slides etc,
which may be something you could try before you truck it
in to the dealer.

 

[ndrmyr]

Ya know, dutch makes a great comment which just might have hit the nail on the head. Often this squeal or high pitched chirping is caused by brake pad vibration. Auto parts stores sell a product that you apply to the BACK of the pads to eliminate this "chatter". If it happens even when you aren't applying the brakes, one would wonder if the calipers are lightly pressing the pads against the rotors causing the pads to "dance" and make the noise. Worth a shot.