You hear that squeeeeeeak? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue for almost every bike at some point. We’re going to break down why this happens and walk you through how to handle it so you can get your brakes back to their quiet
Why Do Bicycle Brakes Squeak
Misaligned Brake Pads: If your pads aren’t lined up properly, they’ll hit the rim or rotor at an odd angle, causing uneven pressure and making noise.
Dirty Pads and Rims/Rotors: Brake pads and the surface they make contact with (either the rim or rotor) can get covered in grime, dirt, or grease. When this happens, it messes with how the pads grip, causing noise.
Worn out Brake Pads: Over time, the material on your brake pads wears down from constant friction. This makes it harder for them to make solid contact with the rim or rotor, leading to squeaks.
Wet Conditions: Moisture from rain or humidity can temporarily affect the pads’ ability to grip, leading to squeaking. This usually stops once the pads dry off a bit.
Old or Cheap Components: Some older or lower-end brake components just don’t handle noise as well as others. The material can wear out faster or not grip as effectively, causing squeaks.
SEE ALSO Why Your Ebike Brake Pads Wear Out So Fast
How to Get Your Brakes Quiet Again
1. Adjust the Brake Pads
If your pads are in good shape but still squeaking, it might be because they’re misaligned. Misalignment can cause the pads to hit the rim or rotor at an angle, which creates uneven pressure and leads to squeaking.
Step 1: Check the alignment of your pads. For rim brakes, the pads should be parallel to the rim and contact it evenly. For disc brakes, the pads should be aligned with the rotor, sitting centrally over it.
Step 2: If the pads are off-center, loosen the bolts that hold them in place and move them until they’re properly aligned. Tighten everything back up and double-check the alignment.
2. Clean Your Brake Pads and Rim/Rotors
A lot of times, squeaky brakes are just a result of dirt and debris building up on the brake pads and the surface they contact. Whether you’ve been riding through muddy puddles or just haven’t cleaned your bike in a while, this is usually an easy fix.
Step 1: Lift your bike up and spin the wheels to get access to the brake pads.
Step 2: Use a clean rag to wipe down the rim or rotor. For rim brakes, pay special attention to the braking surface where the pads hit.
Step 3: For disc brakes, get some brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and use a rag to wipe down the rotor. Be careful not to get any cleaner on the brake pads.
Step 4: Take out the brake pads and clean them with a bit of rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. Scrub off any dirt or debris that’s embedded in the pads.
3. Check for Worn out Brake Pads
If cleaning the pads doesn’t fix the issue, it could be because the pads are worn out. Brake pads wear down over time from the constant friction of braking. If they’re too thin, they won’t be able to make effective contact with the rim or rotor, and they’ll make noise.
So, what causes brake pads to wear out?
When you use your brakes, friction is generated between the brake pads and the rim or rotor. Over time, this friction wears down the material on the pads. If you’re using your bike frequently or riding on steep hills, you might notice the pads wearing out faster. The wear is uneven, which can cause grooves to form, and this can make your brakes squeak.
Step 1: Check the thickness of the brake pads. If the pads are getting close to the wear indicator or are just generally thin, it’s time to replace them.
Step 2: Look for uneven wear, grooves, or cracks in the surface of the pads. These are all signs the pads need replacing.
4. De-glaze the Brake Pads
Your brake pads can get something called a “glaze” on them. This happens when the pads get too hot from constant heavy braking. The heat causes the brake pad material to harden and smooth out, reducing their ability to grip the rim or rotor effectively. This can lead to squeaks or a lack of braking power.
Here’s how you can de-glaze your pads:
Step 1: Take the brake pads off the bike.
Step 2: Use some fine sandpaper or a metal file to gently sand down the surface of the pads. This will help roughen them up and remove the hardened glaze.
Step 3: After sanding, wipe the pads clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any sanding dust and grime.
5. Tighten or Loosen the Brake Cables
If your brake cables are too tight or too loose, it can affect how the pads contact the rim or rotor, causing squeaking. The ideal tension should be enough so the pads engage the braking surface when you pull the brake lever, but not so tight that they drag all the time.
Step 1: For rim brakes, check the movement of the brake arms. If the brake lever feels too soft or too hard, use the barrel adjuster on the brake lever or the brake caliper to adjust the cable tension.
Step 2: For disc brakes, make sure the caliper is centered over the rotor. Adjust the cable tension so the pads make even contact with the rotor when you pull the brake lever.
6. Lubricate the Moving Parts (Not the Brake Pads)
If the squeaking is coming from parts of the brake system that don’t directly touch the rim or rotor, a little lubrication can help. Just be careful not to get any lubricant on the brake pads or rotor, or you’ll make things worse.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the brake system, like the brake pivots and springs. Wipe away any excess to prevent it from getting on the braking surfaces.
7. Replace Worn Pads or Rotor
If none of the above solutions work, then you might just need to replace your brake pads or rotor. Brake pads and rotors wear down over time from friction and use, and eventually, they can’t be fixed with cleaning or adjustments.
Step 1: If the pads are completely worn out, replace them with new ones that are appropriate for your bike.
Step 2: Check the rotor for warping or damage. If it's warped or too thin, it’ll cause issues with braking and could be a reason for persistent squeaking.
Final Thoughts
Squeaky brakes are annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your ride. Regular maintenance, like cleaning and checking your pads and cables, will keep your brakes in tip-top shape and save you from those squeaky surprises. If your electric commuter bicycle, the Qiolor Tiger, is also making the squeaky brake noise mentioned above, you can follow the steps outlined above to fix it.
FAQs
How do I know if my brake pads are shot?
If your brake pads are worn down to the wear indicator or are super thin, it’s time for a change. Also, check for grooves or cracks, which are signs of excessive wear.
Can I stop the squeaks without buying new pads?
Yes! Try cleaning, realigning, or de-glazing your current pads. If those don’t work, then you might need to replace them.
Should I lube my brake pads to stop the squeaks?
Nope, don’t lube your brake pads or rotor—it’ll make the squeaking worse. But a little lubrication on the moving parts of the brake system (like the pivot points) can help reduce noise.
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