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Fix Squeaky Brakes Squealing Noise Tip Of The Night City Bike Blogger

3,604 views · Published 19 April 2015 · 1:01:12 · Indexed 23 October 2026

Channel: BikeBlogger · 2015 · People & Blogs

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On a night bicycle ride around my city I explain how to fix squeaky squealing brake noises on a bike.

1. Clean the braking surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a clean rag.
1a. For rim brakes clean the wheel rims.
1b. For disc brakes clean the rotor.

2. Clean the brake pad with isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag.

3. Align the brake pads properly. Make sure the brake caliper is mounted on the bike properly and the brake pads touch both sides of the braking surface at the same time when squeezing the brake lever.
3a. For rim brakes toe-in the brake pads by placing something thin like a credit card between the brake pad and the wheel rim, squeeze the brake lever, and tighten the bolt.
3b. For disc brakes, remove the wheel, remove the brake pads, push back the pistons completely back in the brake caliper with a piston press tool or a screwdriver and a clean rag, reinsert the brake pads, reinstall the wheel, squeeze the brake lever and the pads should self align.

4. Use clean sandpaper on the brakes.
4a. Use some sandpaper on the brake pads to shed away the old top layer and create a fresh rough layer. Try to wipe off the excess sand left behind when done.
4b. For rim brakes you could sand the wheel rim, and for disc brakes you could sand the rotor, but I would advise against this.

5. Do Step 1, then buy new brake pads, then do Step 3, then ride your bike and brake hard occassionly to coat the braking surface in the new brake pad material - this is called the 'braking in' period. j/k

Bonus tip: Use latex gloves when working on your bike to keep your hands clean, and avoid touching the chain and other lubricated parts when you are working with your brakes.

So, what causes squeaky brakes? Basically something is dirty or not set up properly. Over time things collect dirt and need to be cleaned and eventually replaced.

Oh, and I think the bike noise I was hearing on my ride was my chain. It was really slack and bouncing all around. :p

Correction: Carbon frames do flex but only to an extent dependent on the pressure, temperature and manufacturing process of the carbon fiber material.

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