My brake pads - not too sure

[FJTillDeath]

Im not sure if this is a running or what exactly, but here it is.

On my 85 FJ I like to use back breaks (just cheaper to replace than front ones) although I end up using the front ones more at any rate because I am not too sure how hard I can press the breaks before they lock up (and to be honest it feels quite slack until you push right down) anyway after using the back breaks, all was well for about a week and after that I got a squeeling sound from them when applying them softishly

I checked to see if there is still adequate pad left(as the sound is like metal on metal - car with no brakes) and there is still definitely adequate pad remaining.

Symptons, it only seems to squeel when the brakes are applied lightly and when the bike is going about less than 20 miles slowing down, if they are applied brashly there is no sound at all. If you ask why I dont just press down hard - well as I said I really dont want to lock the back tyre and go flying into a car - yes I do still need to learn the limits of the FJ, but Id rather learn too much than too little.

Other symptons, on the brake thing as well (the little black box thingy that houses the pads and goes over the disk) often has dust on it, I dont know if this can really affect it but I do try to clean it now and again.

What I would like to know is do I have a problem? is it normal to squeel (if the pads arent new or old)? Personally I think the brakes are set a little too slack and could be a smidgen tighter, but I may be wrong as the FJ is the first BIG bike I have ever ridden. If I am correct in assuming the spring connecting the brakes to the brake oedal is too slack where would I tighten it and how tight should I have it?

Could it even be the type opf brake I have? if so what should I be using?

Thanks in advance for your help and sorry if I ask exceptionally stupid questions from time to time, its just this is only available free source for DIY jobs and my knowledge of bikes is VERY limited although has increased somewhat thanks to this website. I guess older bikes are just more prone to problems especially if you have a Newb riding them, although once all is sorted they are definitely the most fun to ride - next to enduro bikes  up a mountain

[oldktmdude]

   Do yourself a big favor and learn to use your FRONT BRAKES. Your life is far more important than saving a few dollars (rand?) on front brake pads. The squealing noise is probably your rear pad wear indicator telling you to to replace your pads. That spring that you are talking about doesn't connect your brake pedal to your brakes. It returns your pedal to it's resting position. The only way to adjust your rear brake pedal is to move it around on it's splined shaft. Don't attempt to do this if you are not familiar with how to do it, get help from somebody that knows how to do it.  USE YOUR FRONT BRAKES!   Pete.

[andyb]

Learn to use both of them properly, there's a time and place for each.

Ensure nothing is loose and vibrating (squealing), but wear indicators do exactly what you describe.

[FJTillDeath]

You see I thought as much that it was worn until I checked the pads and got a second opinion from the dealer who said there was more than adequate pad remaining. And I do use my front brakes mostly, there are just times I prefer to use the back ones

[SlowOldGuy]

Contact Marty, FJ1100mjk, and see if he'll sell you one of his extra sets of rear brake pad anti-squeal shims.  :-)

DavidR.

[FJ1100mjk]

Yep, right now with two FJ's, I've got six sets of shims if you're lacking any