Fixing squeaky disc brakes

karl j
karl j Posts: 517
edited June 2008 in Workshop
... any ideas on how i can stop my Juicy Three disc(k?) brakes sqeaking ?

happens in or just after light rain more than in the dry.

not something i really want to take to bits and experiment with...

thanks in advance
Morning route (when i don't get the train)

Evening route ,

Comments

  • karl j
    karl j Posts: 517
    anyone ?, please
    Morning route (when i don't get the train)

    Evening route ,
  • alan_sherman
    alan_sherman Posts: 1,157
    2 things probably cause squaeking - contamination or movement.

    Eliminate contamination by cleaning disc and pad surfaces with alcohol, vinegar or similar.

    Movement is harder, ensure things are done up properly and torqued correctly. Look for potential for things to move. Also check any shims are oriented the right way for toe-in on pads (if applicable)

    Depending on brake design you might want to put brake squeak stop (aka copper slip) on the interface between pad and what pushes it towards the rim (I'm thinking the piston on hydraulic brakes here).

    As ever - keep lubes and greases well away from braking surfaces and if you aren't sure then take to a dealer etc etc etc.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I'd second the anti-squeal copper paste on the back of the pads. Used it to good effect on all my cars over the years; bike discs use the same technology only smaller.
  • karl j
    karl j Posts: 517
    thanks, i will have to look into that tomorrow now. I never realised / thought they would be set toe-in

    do the same principles apply to car brakes, given their generally higher speeds ? (not that i've got a car, so nothing too technical please)
    Morning route (when i don't get the train)

    Evening route ,
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    yup, car disc brakes are just the same; hydraulic fluid pushing a piston (or two) out of a caliper to grip the rotating disc between two brake pads. Just a larger version, operated by a foot pedal rather than a brake lever, and assisted by a vacuum servo.
    I have never really understood why using copper paste on the backs of the pads stops them squealing, but it does.

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