squealing disc brakes

shouldbeinbed
shouldbeinbed Posts: 2,660
edited January 2010 in The workshop
I'm new to discs, only got my first set in August this year. They've been fine and silent. Since the temperature has dropped and the snow won't go though, they've squealed like a stuck pig every time I've braked. They're still stopping just fine and are gapped properly around the rotor

is itlikely just to be the cold or muck and slush geting on the pads or is something more sinister wrong with them?

Comments

  • Fireblade96
    Fireblade96 Posts: 1,123
    Sometimes disks squeal - if the rotors are clean (use brake cleaner or alcohol) and the pads aren't worn down to the metal (which would cause a very nasty screeching noise and a loss of braking efficiency) then just use it as a way to scare peds.
    Misguided Idealist
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    I'm glad of a squealing front brake, makes a handy horn for suicidal peds. This is despite changing the blocks 3 months ago.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • shouldbeinbed
    shouldbeinbed Posts: 2,660
    :lol: yep that worked well on the dopey kid that bunny hopped off the pavement into my way the other day (in the snow).

    The bike was brand new in August and the rotors are cleaned regularly but they've only started squealing since the snow arrived.

    glad it's not just me that squeals to a stop
  • metalmonkey
    metalmonkey Posts: 144
    Mine were sqeauking alot as well (the brakes) I called the bike shop casue its a new bike. Its the cold that casues it is what they seem to think the problem is, casue its been in the house for days and isn't sqeaking now.

    I'll test the theory out, next time I go for a ride.
  • jeepie
    jeepie Posts: 497
    I've noticed I get brake squeal after washing my bike just for the first few brakes, so it might be that they need to get hotter or remove any surface water? just an idea. I'm experimenting too as I start work early and my brakes wailing like a banshee is not appreciated by the neighbours!
  • mudcovered
    mudcovered Posts: 725
    Jeepie wrote:
    I've noticed I get brake squeal after washing my bike just for the first few brakes, so it might be that they need to get hotter or remove any surface water? just an idea. I'm experimenting too as I start work early and my brakes wailing like a banshee is not appreciated by the neighbours!

    Mine always squeal when they are wet. Whisper quiet when dry. Only worry about it if it keeps happening when things dry out.

    Mike

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