The brakes on my bike be squeaking loudly
03-31-24, 04:55 AM
#1
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The brakes on my bike be squeaking loudly
14 days have passed since buying my new bike. Constantly suffering from new problems. Nowadays, the brakes on my bike be squeaking loudly, any DIY methods for silencing the brakes on my new ride, or should I reckon taking it to a bike shop for fixing?
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03-31-24, 05:11 AM
#2
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Rim brakes or disc brakes? There's squeaking issues and fixes for both.
I hope this doesn't seem too dickish, but I recommend getting the Park Tool Big Blue Book of bike repair. $30 new, maybe $15 used. It's a great guide with real world how-to's.
I hope this doesn't seem too dickish, but I recommend getting the Park Tool Big Blue Book of bike repair. $30 new, maybe $15 used. It's a great guide with real world how-to's.
03-31-24, 06:44 AM
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If disc brakes, blast the pads with compressed air.
If the noise does not stop, clean the rotors with alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth.
If rims brakes, check the pads and rims for grime and clean with alcohol and microfiber cloth.
I am assuming nothing is worn or needs fine tuning adjustments.
If the noise does not stop, clean the rotors with alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth.
If rims brakes, check the pads and rims for grime and clean with alcohol and microfiber cloth.
I am assuming nothing is worn or needs fine tuning adjustments.
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03-31-24, 07:26 AM
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lacking lots of info if you want useable suggestions
also try using the search function
also try using the search function
03-31-24, 09:43 AM
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Not provided are any details about your bike and where you bought it. If it was purchased at a bike shop, the way to go is to return and have the problems addressed. DIY on a new bike without knowing how to fix it can result in warranty cancellation if you break something
Last edited by alcjphil; 03-31-24 at 10:33 AM.
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03-31-24, 10:10 AM
#8
Clark W. Griswold
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There be little information, matey!
If an actual brand new bike bring it back to the shop, always. If a used bike clean everything with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel or similar non-rag item that hasn't been exposed to oils and grease. It also could be maladjustment but we have no idea what you have in any sense.
If an actual brand new bike bring it back to the shop, always. If a used bike clean everything with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel or similar non-rag item that hasn't been exposed to oils and grease. It also could be maladjustment but we have no idea what you have in any sense.
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03-31-24, 12:03 PM
#9
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Sometimes just cleaning with the wrong solution will cause squealing.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
03-31-24, 01:36 PM
#10
Clark W. Griswold
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Sometimes just cleaning with the wrong solution will cause squealing.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
It is possible soaking a tire in alcohol will have an effect but occasionally spraying some won't. It will evaporate pretty quickly.
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03-31-24, 08:56 PM
#11
Full Member
Also make sure the calipers are centered and reset if necessary. That's the first thing I do after cleaning everything with isopropyl alcohol.
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04-01-24, 01:55 AM
#12
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With disk brakes, I find that cleaning the rotors with lighter fluid or acetone and then scrubbing them with a bit of 240 grit sand paper will take away the squeak, and allow the pads and rotors to break in together quickly. For rim brakes, scrubbing the pads with the same 240 grit paper (but not the rims) and making sure the pad toe-in is correct also cures squeaks. You can find videos on how to set brake pad toe-in on YouTube.
04-01-24, 06:10 AM
#13
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It doesn't really have an effect on tires it is generally pretty safe around everything and is cheap and easy to get. I wouldn't use other stuff,
It is possible soaking a tire in alcohol will have an effect but occasionally spraying some won't. It will evaporate pretty quickly.
It is possible soaking a tire in alcohol will have an effect but occasionally spraying some won't. It will evaporate pretty quickly.
Living in Manhattan, with its filthy streets, I always wipe down my tires after a ride. All my tires wear out as normal, the alcohol has no detrimental long term effect from constant use.
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04-01-24, 06:40 AM
#14
I don't know.
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the discs brakes on my Ridley cx bike howled until I started storing it in my dry warm garage instead of the shed (bike shop recommendation). Mechanical Spyre calipers, red brake pads, Shimano 105 levers.
04-01-24, 09:15 AM
#16
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Thread Starter
Not provided are any details about your bike and where you bought it. If it was purchased at a bike shop, the way to go is to return and have the problems addressed. DIY on a new bike without knowing how to fix it can result in warranty cancellation if you break something
04-01-24, 10:37 AM
#17
Newbie
You can totally fix it! But you could also get some help from the LBS.
i have 2 rides on new pads on my mtb disc brakes, and they are a little noisy. I just haven’t taken the time to bed them in properly. There are some good videos out there that show the procedure.
i have 2 rides on new pads on my mtb disc brakes, and they are a little noisy. I just haven’t taken the time to bed them in properly. There are some good videos out there that show the procedure.
04-01-24, 12:43 PM
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Sometimes just cleaning with the wrong solution will cause squealing.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
Cleaners like Formula 409 leaves a residue, making a recipe for noise.
In my experience, Windex always works great.
Never tried rubbing alcohol myself. Seems one wouldn't really want that to come in contact with a tire.
04-07-24, 11:40 AM
#19
Senior Member
Could it be that the pads are not toed in?
If rim brakes, setting the pads up with a dime between the rear end of the pad (which is the "leading" end of the pad with respect to the motion of the wheel) and the rim provides adequate toe in.
If rim brakes, setting the pads up with a dime between the rear end of the pad (which is the "leading" end of the pad with respect to the motion of the wheel) and the rim provides adequate toe in.
04-07-24, 03:55 PM
#20
Senior Member
If disc brakes, blast the pads with compressed air.
If the noise does not stop, clean the rotors with alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth.
If rims brakes, check the pads and rims for grime and clean with alcohol and microfiber cloth.
I am assuming nothing is worn or needs fine tuning adjustments.
If the noise does not stop, clean the rotors with alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth.
If rims brakes, check the pads and rims for grime and clean with alcohol and microfiber cloth.
I am assuming nothing is worn or needs fine tuning adjustments.
04-07-24, 05:59 PM
#21
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04-07-24, 07:49 PM
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I often wonder if a simp brake rotor lathe exists... one that doesn't require much bench space, & is affordable.
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