Bicycle Mechanics - Ceramic V-Brake Pads

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View Full Version : Ceramic V-Brake Pads


JimB
06-02-03, 10:56 AM
Hello to all.........has anybody ever tried using ceramic (green) v-brake pads on a anodized aluminum rim? I am trying all sorts of combinations (black, red, dual-compound, etc) to try to get rid of that damn brake squeal from my front brake. Yes, it is the infamous "Shimano-squeal". Please don't tell me about "toe-in" because I've worn out two sets of nuts and allen wrenches from adjusting these pads. As of right now I have KoolStop dual compound pads that only squeal when they're cold; once they warm up they're okay with very little squeal. It's just that I leave for work at 4:30am and I'm afraid that one of these days my neighbors will take a couple of shots at me when I ride by their houses (I live on a mountain side and it's downhill to work). Why do the pads squeal only when cold? Hoping that maybe ceramic pads might do something!


Rev.Chuck
06-02-03, 07:51 PM
The ceramic pads are harder. They might changethe point at which the brakes vibrate and squeal.
Here is another Idea: Take a hacksaw and cut into the pads long ways, front to back. Just down to where the grooves in the pad stop. This might change the frequency that they vibrate at. I have donesomething similar to reduce braking power on moto brakes. Might be worth a try.
And I am still open for exorcism if you want to fly me out.

JimB
06-03-03, 12:24 AM
Rev. Chuck......right now I'll try anything. I have so many different brake pads that I can sacrifice a couple to "slice and dice" them to bits. I was reading someplace that ceramic-specific pads are softer than regular pads and you say they're harder.....so it's back to my confused state of mind. What I wanted to know is will the ceramic pads eat up my anodized rims worse than Shimano pads? I don't know if I can afford to fly you out here to perform an exorcism but maybe you can send me some holy water so I can soak my brake pads in it. Send me a lot and I'll soak the whole bike!!!!!