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Squeaky brakes.

solidsneeksolidsneek Posts: 57
edited July 2016 in MTB workshop & tech
I have currently got a bad case of squeaky brakes when I am downhill pressing hard on a brake.

Any tips to get rid of it? I work at an industrial company selling all sorts of WD40 etc

Posts

  • The RookieThe Rookie Posts: 27,748
    Most squeals are due to contamination in the pad, dust and grit and other assorted debris.

    Pour some water through it and then do some good hard stops from reasonable speed.

    Some squeals are resonances (avid brakes with metal pads and lightweight discs are very squeal prone) and you have to change something to fix it.

    To help fix the squeal either keep the WD40 at least 20 feet from the bike, or spray the disc copiously with it - it will probably fix the squeal but at the expense of having absolutely no braking effort at all!
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  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 8,841
    Sounds like you have either got contamination from oil based spray on disc / pads or you've managed to glaze the pad. Try cleaning the discs with isopropanel based spray or proper disc brake cleaner that doesn't leave a residue. You may get away with roughing up the pad themselves with wet and dry paper if glazed. If still struggling suggest new pads, make sure you centre your caliper as well. YouTube is full of instructional clips park tools is a good one. NEVER EVER mention the WD thing again it's like a red rag to a bull to work get ostracized on here. Do not put it near a bike ever, it's leaves nasty residues on brakes washes grease out etc. If you dont believe me on the WD thing type it into the forum search engine. LOL. Good luck with the brakes.
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  • cooldadcooldad Posts: 32,601
    Sometimes brakes just make noises. If mine are particularly bad I try and play tunes.
    Often happens if you drag the brakes.
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  • swod1swod1 Posts: 1,639
    I've only had this happen when using resin pads they either just glaze easily or squeal when a bit of mud or something has got on to the brake surface.

    clean up the disc with isopropyl alcohol and give the pads a sand with some wet n dry paper should sort it out but make sure the pads are re bedded in, that's of course there not badly glazed which you would be worth off using a new set instead.
  • solidsneeksolidsneek Posts: 57
    Thanks guys!!
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