Plow13

I just a gary fisher utopia and it has disc brakes...the front disc is sqeaking even when the brake is not in use...it sounds like it is rubbing. how do I fix this?

MudPie

What brand and model of brake do you have? Different brands and type (mechanical v. hydraulic) have different procedures.

Plow13

mech...i assume...its an 2008 model

BloomBikeShop

Avid mechanical discs I bet.

The rotors are probably out of true, and they're scraping on the pads, which would cause the squeaks. This seems fairly common even on bikes right off the showroom floor. (You can sight between the pads and watch to see where the rotor hits.)

You can bend the rotors back to true which is your best bet. The best way is with a rotor truing tool, although you can try bending it with your hand or adjustable wrench, but with a clean rag over the rotor so you don't scratch or contaminate it.

Or have the shop do it in a 30 day free tuneup.

Ruckin

Sorry for a thread hyjack...

I have the mechanical BB7s and they do not rub while riding (or just spinning the wheel)
but I get a loud squeal when I apply the brakes. It was raining this morning - do they
do that when wet? Or is there an adjustment/cleaning I need to do?

Donegal

Brakes squealing BB7's. If you have the Avid scalloped rotors that are 165mm this is very common. I did a lot of research on my Juicy 7's when I couldn't shut them up. If you clean them extremely well with acetone, disc brake cleaner, etc., they won't squeak for about 15-20 minutes. If you switch pads, they will be quiet for 3-5 rides. The local LBS in my area was switching the rotors. Now with the G2, second generation rotor, most of this can be avoided. Make sure your brakes are lining up on the rotor and not hitting the thin spokes inside the rotor.

I finally shut mine up by switching to a 185mm G2 rotor. Didn't even put new pads on. Have been successfully torturing them ever since. They will squawk when wet once in awhile, but not all the time.

I love my brakes now, use only 2 fingers braking and really rip it up. By the way, to switch rotor sizes all you have to do is change out the caliper brackets. I made the change for less than $100 and bought everything I needed off E-bay. P.S. the BB7's are one of the most adjustable disc brakes out there. I love the system.

RT

I have never had issues with squeaking on both sets of BB5's. Love 'em. Be sure to adjust the calipers so they're centered.