Brake Squeaking

chrisdouglas

Hey folks, bear with me here I have read the FAQs however I'm still a little stuck.

So my bike I keep indoors and clean, I've had maybe a dozen outings on the trails in anger the rest of the time i use it predominantly I for travelling to and from work, about 10/15 minute journey.

I neglected to use it too much for the last few weeks of the year and only just got onto it maybe 3 weeks ago and it was fine. Now though since last Wednesday a rather frustrating squeak has developed on the front brake. I took the wheel off and took the rotor off, cleaned it and refitted it and it remained, however after a run around Whinlatter's red trail at the weekend it wasn't too bad. I got home stripped and cleaned everything and when I rode again yesterday to work the squeak was back with a vengeance!

So I've read the FAQs as I said, and it seems to me like its a contamination issue. I've had the pads out again and cleaned them a little more, however it's still there a little bit. The thickness of the pads seems fine and now I'm just wondering if the contamination has crossed a line and I'd be better to just buy new pads.

Any ideas anyone?

chrisdouglas

I should also say that the performance of the break hasn't suffered at all it's only when freewheeling the squeak comes up. Also the bike is a Kona Hei-Hei and the brakes are Avid Elixir 1s

The Rookie

Probably just got some gunge in there, a few good hard brakes from speed will normally get rid, otherwise just put up with it!

chrisdouglas

I'll certainly try some stronger braking and see if it helps, definitely can't live with it, it's a very loud and constant screeching noise, that's the only thing telling me I haven't warped the rotor or twisted anything.

The Rookie

You can get this on Avids with sintered pads, (a consistent tone, only volume changes with speed), my personal belief is because the stupid CPS washers mean it's not mounted stiffly enough, the only way I got rid of it on mine was organic pads until I swapped to Shimano brakes, now I can run what the heck I want.

If you hear a bike with that squeal it's invariably on Avid's, I would say 9 out of 10 times (do not confuse with other noises, it's almost like a tuning fork noise).

chrisdouglas

The Rookie wrote:

(do not confuse with other noises, it's almost like a tuning fork noise).

That is exactly how to describe the sound mate, just like a tuning fork. Thanks for the help, I've been thinking of upgrading to shimano or maybe even Hopes so thanks for that.

cyd190468 wrote:

If it makes noise when. you're not actually braking you need to re-align the caliper as they are dragging

I had feeling I should maybe try that as I noticed at work this afternoon that it looks like only one pad is being activated when I press the lever. Thanks mate you've just backed up my own theory. Will take a look at that tomorrow.

Cheers everyone appreciate the help, hopefully this will cure it!!