Originally Posted by
louky
I collect and fix bikes for a charity. I have a 26" bike that has the brakes squealing on the front and I can't get rid of it. The wheel is true, I have replaced the pads. The pads are adjusted properly to the wheel and have a slight toe-in. The noise occurs all the way around the wheel. These are v-brakes and the rims are painted aluminum. Any ideas of something else to try would be appreciated.
Clean the rim and blocks with acetone. Toe-in further, so the blocks are only flat on the rim with maximum lever pressure. Apply grease to the brake arm pivots. Roughen the brake blocks with coarse abrasive. Roughen the rim with coarse abrasive - you can put a piece of emery cloth on each brake block and ride the bike dragging the brakes slightly, or you can get serious with a grinder like some trials riders do.