Squealing disc brakes is it the pads?

fooferdoggie

fooferdoggie

Well-Known Member
on my new bike I had a tiny click while breaking but other then that no noise till the first rain then a lot of squealing. so I cleaned them with strong dish shop running the bike with the brakes on then rinsed them and they have been quiet till it rained again. maybe not as noisy but front and back. Now I notice only the front is noise. I have a jar of the anti squeal for them but it lopoks to be a hassle to use. I am just wondering if it is just the type of brake pads or that they are dirty. braking is great. they are Magura 4 piston brakes.
 
Dish soap is not a product to be used on brake pads. I don't know the exact chemistry, but surely there must be some kind of glycerin or lubricant in it. Must be 100 videos on youtube on squealing brakes. I think you have to wave a chicken bone over them during a full moon.
 
rich c said:
Dish soap is not a product to be used on brake pads. I don't know the exact chemistry, but surely there must be some kind of glycerin or lubricant in it. Must be 100 videos on youtube on squealing brakes. I think you have to wave a chicken bone over them during a full moon.
Click to expand...
I have two bike shops that recommend it they always say don't use automotive brake cleaner. I am not sure they are dirty sense it is only when wet. I have this but since it needs cleaned off with alcohol it wil lbe a pain to use.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0321.jpg
    IMG_0321.jpg
    273.2 KB · Views: 309
My guessignosis is the pads will always make that annoying squeek when wet so nothing to do about it except move to Australia, and the click means the rotor is slightly warped which is also annoying but not serious. Do nothing. Turn up the Itunes.
 
steve mercier said:
My guessignosis is the pads will always make that annoying squeek when wet so nothing to do about it except move to Australia, and the click means the rotor is slightly warped which is also annoying but not serious. Do nothing. Turn up the Itunes.
Click to expand...
ya thats what I was thinking. the clicking was not a warped rotor. it only happened when I applied the brakes. after washing it does not do it anymore. the rotor is not warped either. its not a big deal.
 
They're glazed - remove pads, sand on a flat surface with 100-150 grit to remove the glazing.
No soap, no chemicals, nada.
Failing that, buy a new set - they're less than $10.
 
fooferdoggie said:
ya thats what I was thinking. the clicking was not a warped rotor. it only happened when I applied the brakes. after washing it does not do it anymore. the rotor is not warped either. its not a big deal.
Click to expand...
How about gravel/sand/piece of grit in between the pads and rotors? Rinse and repeat?
 
steve mercier said:
My guessignosis is the pads will always make that annoying squeek when wet so nothing to do about it except move to Australia, and the click means the rotor is slightly warped which is also annoying but not serious. Do nothing. Turn up the Itunes.
Click to expand...

brake pads squeal in Oz as well , just with a different accent.

Have you tried re aligning the caliper? ( undo the bolts, apply the brake a few times, tighten whilst brake applied). Axle / bearings / spokes loose? ( anything that lets the wheel flop around makes the squeal louder)

Are you bedding the rotors in ? Ie after wetting GENTLY and EVENLY apply some brake pressure for a while WITHOUT STOPPING . ( if you stop the rotors get a thicker coating in that spot and shudder / squeal more - at least until the next creek crossing )


If you have the luxury of frequently riding in wet conditions, change pad material - organic or kevlar pads squeal less in the wet but disappear alarmingly in dry dusty down hill conditions.
 

Attachments

  • 4E4B47C1-713F-4F3D-9776-9602C96DA6AB.jpeg
    4E4B47C1-713F-4F3D-9776-9602C96DA6AB.jpeg
    386.7 KB · Views: 315
I had terrible disc brake squeal on my Specialized road bike. Really embarassing on a group ride.
To solve the problem I tried the following things:

1. lightly sanded pads and cleaned with brake fluid. Still squealed.
2. lightly sanded rotors and cleaned with brake fluid. Still squealed.
3. put anti squeal paste on the back of the pads. Still squealed.

As a last resort replaced my pads, which were 2/3 worn. No more brake squeal.
 
they are not glazed breaking is fantastic. its just when it is really wet outside. the pads have about 300 miles on them so a lot of wear left and they are lined up well. I have the squealout I can use if it is the pads and not the pad material. the back stopped it today I have not had any long runs that I could brake on. in portland we have lots of rain then dry and back and forth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

V
Vado SL2 - Aluminum Frame - Summer 25 ??
Replies
9
Views
375
Rás Cnoic
R
Back