My brakes squeak.
07-27-07, 12:54 PM
#1
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My brakes squeak.
I have a 2005 Bianchi Axis cyclocross bike (this bike), with cantilever brakes.
The front brakes squeal like crazy every time I slow down. The back brakes are nice and quiet all the time.
How do I make my front brakes shut up?
The front brakes squeal like crazy every time I slow down. The back brakes are nice and quiet all the time.
How do I make my front brakes shut up?
07-27-07, 12:55 PM
#2
Call me The Breeze
toe them in
07-27-07, 01:21 PM
#4
Call me The Breeze
Depends on the design of the caliper, but you essentially want to set it up so the front of the pad contacts just before the rear does.
Warning- if you've never tried this before prepare to get frustrated.
Look on www.sheldonbrown.com or www.parktool.com for more specific instructions.
Warning- if you've never tried this before prepare to get frustrated.
Look on www.sheldonbrown.com or www.parktool.com for more specific instructions.
07-27-07, 01:31 PM
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I have a 2005 Bianchi Axis cyclocross bike (this bike), with cantilever brakes.
The front brakes squeal like crazy every time I slow down. The back brakes are nice and quiet all the time.
How do I make my front brakes shut up?
The front brakes squeal like crazy every time I slow down. The back brakes are nice and quiet all the time.
How do I make my front brakes shut up?
It's caused by the friction of the brakes against the rim flexing the brake arms, which then slip back, grab, slip back, grab, etc. This process happens at such high speed that it often causes an audible vibration.
All brakes do this, but with luck the pitch (frequency) is too high for human hearing.
This is generally annoying, but not a safety issue. Unlike automotive brakes, bicycle brakes that squeal are usually in good functional condition.
Here are some things to try:
"Toe in" the brake shoes, so that the front edge of the shoe hits the rim slightly before the rear edge. Not all brake systems permit this type of adjustment, but most do.
Clean the rims with a good, oil-free solvent (citrus, alcohol, something like that.)
If the pivots of your brakes are adjustable, make sure that you've eliminated as much play as possible without causing them to bind.
Different brake shoes may help. I particularly recommend Kool Stop salmon colored units.
Sheldon "Shhhh..." Brown
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+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | Wherever there is sufficient space for a motor vehicle | | there must be sufficient space for a bicycle, | | because the bicycle is smaller. Is that not obviously so? | | -- John Forester | +--------------------------------------------------------------+
07-27-07, 04:33 PM
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+1 for Sheldon's comments. Also, you might have some glazing on the brake pads. Remove the brake pads and rub the braking surface on the concrete sidewalk (use your neighbor's sidewalk because it leaves a mark).
