Tech Tip Tuesday: How to Fix Squealing Brakes

There are few sounds in this world that are more annoying than squealing brakes (except maybe this). If your brakes squeal worse than a stuck pig, then you might be in luck. Today’s tech tip will discuss a couple cures to silence that noisy hog.

• First things first, check your brake pads. If they are worn completely down and
  grinding into your rotor, they are going to make some noise. Replace the pads if that’s the case and your rotor as well if they’ve been damaged.
• After that, one of the most common reasons for brake noise is debris, dirt, and rocks stuck in your brakes. In most cases, you can take the pads out and clean everything off really well and you should be in good shape. You may also want to take some emery cloth and sand down the pads a bit to be sure. Pay particular attention to remove rocks that may be embedded in the pads.
• Another common problem is that the discs and pads are glazed. This usually happens due to brake contamination from leaking fork seals, soap from washing the bike, or chain lube/grease getting on the discs or pads. Use medium grit sandpaper to lightly remove the glazing from the pads and discs. After the glaze is removed, spray the brakes off with brake cleaner (not a detergent or soap) and re-install.

If that doesn’t work, you might need to buy new brakes or a new bike altogether… okay not really. Just trade your bike for a friend’s (just don’t tell him about the brakes before hand) or remove the brakes altogether and use your feet to stop (not recommended).

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