lagrassa

I posted this in the C&V forum but didn't get any response so I thought I'd try here:


OK, I have vintage Campy (Super) Record brake calipers and changed out the stock Campy pads with salmon-colored Scott Matthausers. The front brake didn't squeal before, but it does now. I have the same set-up on my other bike and there is no squeal there. I realize the rims are different, but everything else is the same.
I know that the front of the pad should make contact with the rim first, but I don't see any way to adjust the angle of the pad to accomplish this. Am I missing something here? Thanks.

une_vitesse

you can try a number of things:
-use a rasp to rough up the pads
-use emery cloth to sand the sidewalls
-use rubbing alcohol to clean the sidewalls
sometimes you have to do all three of the above to get results.
what you don't want to do is try to bend the caliper arms to toe in your pads
if all else fails, you might want to consider using different pads, either go back to the original ones, or install pads with curved washers that will allow toeing in.
good luck!

une_vitesse

one more thing, you can check if there is play between the caliper arms. that can cause brake squeal too.

lagrassa

Thnaks for the tips. I will try them. I notice that the back brake, same exact combination of rim and pads, does not squeal. The idea of a curved washed seems to make sense to get the toe-in. Any idea on where to get these?

une_vitesse

your rear wheel probably locks up before the brakes have any chance of squealing.
curved washers come stock with "v-brake" specific brake pads, although they work fine with road calipers, as long as you have enough clearance.

lagrassa

An idea I had was to cut a thin flat washer in half and use it as shim along with the flat washer that is already there to get a bit of toe-in.

cbchess

+1 toe in
and clean the rims and rough up the pads