Rim Brake Squeal Pandemic
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Rim Brake Squeal Pandemic
I am having a rash of bikes coming into my shop that have front brake squeal that we cant seem to fix. The majority are hybrids and cruisers. Replacement of brake pads, towing the pads in, sanding the machine braking surface, and cleaning the braking surface with alcohol do little to help. What are your best practices? Are we missing something? Have you found pads that address this? Thanks!
#2
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Is there a majority type of caliper?
I see a lot of donated bikes at a non-profit. If it's a linear pull caliper, it's rare that correct toe-in doesn't fix a squeal.
If it's a cantilever, sometimes it's a chronic problem that can be solved with a fork-mounted cable stop, but I seldom take the time and effort to do that for a cheap bike. If toe-in doesn't fix it, I'll replace the shoes. If that doesn't do it, I'll try toeing them out and sometimes that works, at least for a while.
I see a lot of donated bikes at a non-profit. If it's a linear pull caliper, it's rare that correct toe-in doesn't fix a squeal.
If it's a cantilever, sometimes it's a chronic problem that can be solved with a fork-mounted cable stop, but I seldom take the time and effort to do that for a cheap bike. If toe-in doesn't fix it, I'll replace the shoes. If that doesn't do it, I'll try toeing them out and sometimes that works, at least for a while.
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Yeah, it's V brakes in the vast majority. Unfortunately we have even had some new bike assemblies lately that have it too. Most recently was a Retrospec .It's hard for me to deliver a new bike with the condition. Interesting on the toe out. Not sure why I hadn't thought of trying that. Ill have to give it a try. Thanks!
Last edited by La Brea Bike; 08-14-20 at 08:01 AM.
#4
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Had good luck with Kool Stop pads
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#6
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I buy basic ones from a store called Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) - https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5023-2...xt=kool%20stop
But I am mostly fixing up vintage road bikes, so may not be relevant to all canti's you are working on.
But I am mostly fixing up vintage road bikes, so may not be relevant to all canti's you are working on.
#7
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they have a variety of models to suit the variety of brakes made. you were not specific..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? https://www.koolstop.com/
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? https://www.koolstop.com/
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-14-20 at 09:30 AM.
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I sometimes wonder how long some brake pads sit on the shelf before they are used. When new stock comes in, it should be put behind the old stock. Rubber/plastic ages.
#9
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they have a variety of models to suit the variety of brakes made. you were not specific..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
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#10
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I'm using their Salmon Compound pads in the Magura HS Version , In a wet place by the sea for 12 years now..
& on my Brompton, old & New, and on virtually every bike I own. for 30+ years..
.. the company is located in the region of greater Portland, Oregon..
& on my Brompton, old & New, and on virtually every bike I own. for 30+ years..
.. the company is located in the region of greater Portland, Oregon..
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Kool Stop Red
I got new wheels this year and had squeal and shudder on front wheel with my Kool Stop black and salmon pads. I put on softer red pads, and it's been fine ever since.
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#13
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they have a variety of models to suit the variety of brakes made. you were not specific..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
Look A their website ? found them with your distributors.? Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
threaded or plain post, road or mountain ?
replaceable insert or molded in, one piece.?
Rubber hardens over time so fresh pads act differently than old dry hard ones..
..
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Another trick I use is to chamfer the edges of the brake pad itself with a small belt sander or file. Works wonders on automotive brake pads as well.
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Last edited by fietsbob; 08-14-20 at 01:45 PM.
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I am having a rash of bikes coming into my shop that have front brake squeal that we cant seem to fix. The majority are hybrids and cruisers. Replacement of brake pads, towing the pads in, sanding the machine braking surface, and cleaning the braking surface with alcohol do little to help. What are your best practices? Are we missing something? Have you found pads that address this? Thanks!