Howling Brakes

grenw
grenw Posts: 804
edited July 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
I've searched through the forum and found several brake topics but not heard one exactly like this.

I've a set of Formula RXs on my Cube, still on the original pads after 6 months. A couple of rides ago they started to squeak. Even when I wasn't braking they would squeak as the wheel rotated, you could even hear a small squeak when you're not on the bike and moving the bike slowly backwards and forwards - I was trying to find the source of the noise.

Once I'd tracked it down the the brakes, I cleaned the rotors with ipa and scrubbed the pads. I then bedded them in (although I'm not sure I worked them up enough?).

The next ride, on my way home they started 'howling' when they were applied at half strength. Half way back home after going through a muddy puddle and a sharp little incline the howl was there even when the brakes were not applied. Really embarrassingly loud howls which only went away by dragging the brakes. Eventually the sound went away, I assume from the heat build up or them drying out.

Anyway, long story but what would you advise? Clean them up and try bedding in again? I've got a set of pads lined up to replace them if need be as well. The gaps between pad and rotor are tiny so I guess any water or crap will bridge that gap.

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    I'd advise doing nothing
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    have you read the topic in the FAQs?

    Formulas guide to noisy brakes?

    try it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • grenw
    grenw Posts: 804
    Thanks! An obvious place to get answers once I spotted it.

    Seems like it could be contaminated pads/rotor made maybe worse by the wet conditions. Will try cleaning them again and put a new set of pads in.