How to get rid of squeaky brakes

You’ve heard it before, I have experienced it. You slow down to a quick stop and your brakes squeal like a banshee. So how do you solve this?

Soft brake pads and lightweight (flexible) calipers promote squeal and chatter. Brake chatter is caused by gummy residue on the rim together with excessively flexible brake mechanism. This residue is usually left on the rim by the brake pads themselves and can be cleaned with a solvent like acetone.  A good solution to preventing this type of residue is to use good quality brake pads. I have had much success with Kool-Stop pads, both the salmon and black pads with the edge going toward the salmon pads. I am also trying out some SwissStop brake pads to see how they compare to the Kool-Stop. Just a small inexpensive change of brake pads can make a world of difference in reducing brake chatter.

Squealing brakes, caused by the brake pad sticking then slipping alternately, at a frequency that is in the audible range can be annoying. This does not mean the brakes are not functioning. On the contrary, even well adjusted, no squealing brakes do this, usually at a frequency higher than humans can hear. The common advice is to bend the brake caliper to make the trailing edge of the pad (with respect to rim motion, the forward end of the front brake pad) contact first.  Some pad holders allow for this type of adjustment without resorting to bending the calipers.  Toe-in is preferred because a pad that makes full contact as it first touches the rim will rotate slightly from frictional drag, reducing contact… and drag, which allows it to snap back and repeat the action.

Sanding the pads might also reduce any glazed (vulcanized) rubber that is on the surface of the pad reducing the slipping action. Sanding can be done to remove slightly more material from the trailing edge of the pad to simulate toe in on non-adjustable pad holders.

One last thing to try would be tightening the caliper arms themselves, if possible. The idea is to remove as much play as you can from the arms while keeping them from binding. This helps to reduce the chatter and squeal associated with it.

Just remember, that even though you may be embarrassed by squealing to a stop on your group rides, it is a natural tendency of bicycle brakes. It is not a safety issue and indicates that your brakes are working properly. If it really bothers you then try the tips outlined:

1. Replace pads with better quality rubber
2. Toe in the front of the pads so they contact the rim first
3. Make sure there is no play in the caliper arms

If you do these things you can roll up on the next ride quietly and safely.