Brake squeel

Ace_rimmer1 said:

Simple problem, I just finished with the upgrades on my bike but have 1 problem, the fronk brake squeels so loud it makes my teeth hurt, even if I just touch the brake, I've tried degreasing the rim, I've adjusted then so many times I lost count but can't get rid of the squeel, any ideas.

Cheers
Ace

Had exactly this problem last week with my back brake. Like you, tried degreasing everything a couple of times (thought it was excess chain oil), no joy. Eventually traced it to two tiny slivers of aluminium swarf embedded in one of the brake blocks. Teased them out of the block, problem solved. It's also not unknown to get tiny bits of flint embedded in the blocks, so whip the wheel out and have a good look.

Eastway82 said:

Had exactly this problem last week with my back brake. Like you, tried degreasing everything a couple of times (thought it was excess chain oil), no joy. Eventually traced it to two tiny slivers of aluminium swarf embedded in one of the brake blocks. Teased them out of the block, problem solved. It's also not unknown to get tiny bits of flint embedded in the blocks, so whip the wheel out and have a good look.

Same experience here, on the front, not a squeal just noisy, & also noticed a definite scratch on the rim braking surface, just enough to feel with my fingernail. Out come the pads & in the corresponding place a shiny piece smaller than a pin head, dug it out & noise disappeared. I checked the back & even though no noise, 2 shiny specks. I have V brakes with cartridge pads which are easy to slip out to check then slide back in, no realignment required

I like brake squeal. I think it gives character to a bikey. So for all of those who hate brake squeal. Don't be gay!!!

I love all of you

JhomieD

Jeff D. said:

I like brake squeal. I think it gives character to a bikey. So for all of those who hate brake squeal. Don't be gay!!!

I love all of you

JhomieD

Got to say, for the few days that mine was squealing, it was handy for scaring some of the suicidal rural French pedestrians, who just meander across the road without looking. Passed one family with two toddlers and one baby in pushchair the other day - the mother just turned across the road, pushchair first, without looking AT ALL. One squeal of brake and she nearly had a heart attack, which was entertaining. Then her husband starting yelling at her (although he hadn't been paying attention either. So that was even better. I could ride off, knowing my work there was done.
😄

some brakes and brake-rim combinations just squeal. the original xt v-brakes are a case in point - sounds like you're toturing a pig when things get even a little damp.