Bicycle Mechanics - Squeaky Brakes

My front brake squeaks very loudly when I apply any real pressure to it. It works just fine, but why is it squeaking so much. My rear brake doesn't do this. I use my front brake more often, though. Are my rims dirty? Are my brake pads worn down? What can I do to quiet my front brake. Its kind of embarrassing.


Thanks,

-Matt C.-

Check that your front brakes are clean along with the rims. Also try roughing up the brake pads a little with a piece of sand paper and make sure they're toed in.

This recent thread should cover everything since it's the same as yours.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56237

I'd rather keep the squeal, it's nice in the city cause it gets the attention of drivers and pedestrians at intersections. I used to have mine much louder than my bell or than I could shout, whenver I got to an intersection, I just jam the brakes on for a brief second and everyone freezes.

Toe in those front pads so when the forward part of the pads make contact with the rim the rear part of the pad has about the thickness of a credit card before it makes contact.

Nothing works 100% of the time to eliminate brake squeal. Here's a list of things that each work some of the time. I have them listed in a sort of cost/ease of doing/likelihood of success order.

1. Take a fingernail emery board and dress up the surface of your brake pads.
2. Clean any black marks off of your rim with acetone or lacqure thinner.
3. Toe in your brakes so the front of the pad hits just a touch before the back.
4. Make sure that your brake arms or calipers are snug to the frame.
5. Try different brake pads. Step up to something like Kool Stop.
6. If your bike has cheap brakes, upgrade.