Bicycle Mechanics - Noisy Cantilever Brakes!!!

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Noisy Cantilever Brakes!!!

pinerider
09-03-02, 10:42 AM
Did a search, couldn't find anything. I have 2 Norco MTB"s with cantilever brakes and alloy rims. They make so much noise when braking on downhill sections that any wildlife that may be in the area is long gone when I get there. Is it just me or do others have this same problem? How do you fix it? A little oil on the brake pads? :D

velocipedio
09-03-02, 10:54 AM
Squeal?

Try toeing-in the brake pads a bit more. Squeal is a common problem with cantis. You should also make sure that your rims are clean and that your brake pads are clean. Try sanding the pads with fine sandpaper and then srubbing with soapy water, rinsing and drying.
a2psyklnut
09-03-02, 11:41 AM
DO NOT use oil!!!! Yikes!!

An easy way to get good toe-in, is to use a credit card between the pad and the rim placed toward the back 1/3 of the pad. Use a rubber band around the lever to keep the brakes applied while you work.

L8R

pinerider
09-03-02, 11:57 AM
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll give them a try - was just kidding about the oil.
a2psyklnut
09-03-02, 11:59 AM
Whew!!!

I have however seen crazier things!

L8R
Alan Perkins
09-20-02, 04:04 PM
Clean the pads and toe those beasts in like hell.
WorldIRC
09-20-02, 05:35 PM
i got two customers that came in complaining that their breaks were squeaking. They said they tried motor oil, but it only made it worse..