When enjoying cycling, abnormal noises from the brakes can often disrupt your peace of mind. When it comes to bicycle features, the first thing to pay attention to is brake performance!

So, why do brakes make abnormal noises?

Four reasons why your bicycle brakes might be making abnormal noises!

1. Foreign matter adhering to the contact surface of the brake pads and brake discs
2. Not adjusted to the optimal position when replacing with new pads
3. Friction from the disc rotor and brakes
4. Incorrect brake installation or rust on the brake disc

Now, let's look at four solutions to stop brake squealing!

Foreign matter adhering to the contact surface of the brake pads and brake discs.

Please note that abnormal brake noises can sometimes be caused by dirt on the brake pads or brakes. Disc brakes usually need to be removed from the bicycle for cleaning. If the disc becomes oily, it needs to be replaced in a timely manner. If there is foreign matter on the disc, wipe it with alcohol.

▲Use a cloth or cotton swab soaked in alcohol to wipe the disc

Not adjusted to the optimal position when replacing with new pads

When installing new brake pads, you need to pay attention to the installation method. The installation method and contact surface greatly affect brake performance. The most effective way to secure brake pads is to ride slowly along the road and then apply the brakes. Repeat this process several times to ensure they are finally installed in the appropriate position.

▲When brake pads need to be replaced

Friction from the disc rotor and brakes

When you apply the brakes, the lever bounces or makes a loud noise. If the disc appears slightly bent as if abnormal, or has obvious grooves, then the disc is deformed.

It is not recommended to forcibly repair it using a wrench or pliers. If you try to repair it yourself, applying too much force can cause significant damage to the disc. It is best to have it maintained by a bicycle shop with specialized knowledge and skills.

If the deformation of the disc is not the cause, you need to adjust the position of the clamp so that it is in the center of the frame, and check the gap between the disc and the brake pads.

Step 1: Tighten the two M6*18 screws on the caliper by about half a turn.

Step 2: Apply the brake until it locks.

Step 3: Tighten the two M6*18 screws on the caliper.

▲The appropriate clearance between the caliper and the disc is approximately 1.7 to 2.4 mm

Incorrect brake installation or rust on the brake disc

Normally, clean the caliper and brake shoes, and check that the bolts are secured before use. If the brake shoes fail or wear out due to unevenness, abnormal brake noises are more likely to occur. In this case, you need to use a toothpick or small stick to clean out any remaining small sand particles.

▲Use a small stick to clean the gaps in the brake shoes

Why aren't the brake shoes flat? There may be a problem with the installation method. When installing brake pads, it's fine as long as the brake shoes don't protrude beyond the braking surface of the rim (the part where the rim is machined to be flat) and are parallel to it. Once the position is determined, hold the shoe by hand and tighten the fixing bolt.

Loosen the nut behind the brake shoe appropriately. Do not loosen it too much. Squeeze the brake lever to push the brake shoe inward against the rim. Once the correct position is adjusted, tighten the nut to secure it. (Adjustment method varies depending on the caliper) Check if the caliper is centered and if the two caliper arms are symmetrical to the rim surface, then hold the lever and adjust the brake shoes to the correct position.

▲Loosen the nut behind the brake pad

Of course, pay attention to the rim when checking the brake pads. Many aluminum wheels have machined surfaces to ensure excellent braking performance. Therefore, if dirt accumulates on the rim or the rim wears out, it can affect braking performance, so inspect the rim frequently.

I hope the above content is helpful.

That's all.