I now believe it's the hub. It's an explanation that makes the most sense. The pads are not hitting the rotors at all while coasting - only under load. I check the wheel: spoke tension good and it's true. I try to wiggle the axle and seems fine but I doubt I can wiggle it at the load it's under while pedaling hard (up hills were the worst).
Edit: axle does move; tiny and only in some positions.
Adjusting this hub is probably over my pay grade ...
Originally Posted by
Slash5
I suspect it isn't the brake making the noise if moving the pads bad didn't change the sound.
Wind the pad adjusters all the way back - or remove the pads and try the bike.
Have you checked for play in the hub axle and bearings? Quick release is tight?
Are you following the correct adjustment procedure? A lot of people try to adjust with the cable which is incorrect.