How To Stop Bike Brakes Squeaking

One of the most irritating things about a bike ride, is having to listen to squealing brakes on your bike - squealing brakes affect all bikes equally, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and road bikes all suffer. Squealing brakes are most noticeable when the brakes are applied, and whilst we believe that any unwanted noise from a bike is very annoying, brake squeal and noise is by far the worst noise of the lot.

Squealing disc brakes are, however, quite useful. The presence of squealing brakes is a tell tale sign that braking performance may be suffering. Although some brake squaling can be expected from new brakes which need bedding in, squealing can also be an indicator of misaligned brakes, as well as vibrations in the brake setup.

Squealing Rim Brakes

The first thing to check when dealing with squealing rim brakes is to make sure that the calipers and the rim itself is clean and free of debris. Also check bolts and fixings which hold the calipers in place - ensure all are tightened, as any loose parts can cause brake noise.

Most commonly, squealing rim brake noise is caused by contamination on either the pads of the rim brake or the rim itself. Typical contamination includes overzealous chain lubing, or oil/diesel which has been picked up from puddling on the road in wet conditions. The best way to clean rim brakes is with a degreaser cleaner - and thanks to a strong market of brake cleaners, there are plenty to choose from. When cleaning rim brakes, also clean and look at the condition of the rims. Most rim brakes work with alumnium rims which have a rough surface to provide braking performance, this rough surface can suffer from a buildup of dirt and grim which negatively affects braking performance, as well as causes unwanted noise.

Other causes of noisy rim brakes include worn and poor condition brake blocks - brake blocks usually have wear indicators, so keeping on top of their condition is pretty easy. If you have checked and cleaned the system, and if noise persists, it’s likely that a poorly fitting, poor brake setup is to blame.

If your brakes continue to squeal, especially when you apply the brakes - it's more than likely that your brakes are not contacting correctly. To check, apply the brakes and look at the surfaces of the brake block and the rim - if they do not meet correctly or evenly, reposition either the pad or the mount on the rim to ensure correct contact. One of the best solutions if your brakes are not contacting correctly, is to simply buy new brake blocks.

If squeaking rim brakes continue to persist, check wheel bearings which may have thrown brake alignment out.

Squealing Disc Brakes

Although a different braking system, the causes of squealing and squeaking disc brakes are much the same as the causes of noisy rim brakes. The first port of call is to check for contamination on either the rotor of the disc brake, or the disc brake pads. Spray lubricant, again, is the most common cause of squealing disc brakes. Degreasing/oil free disc brake cleaner helps, but don't use chemical cleaners on brake pads. Lightly using sandpaper on the brake pads can also work, but if lubricant has soaked into the brake pads - it's sensible and prudent to just replace them.

Disc Brakes can also be noisy when bedding in. The bedding in process should be followed whenever replacing brake pads, so always follow manufacturer's recommendations. When new pads are used, they will leave small amounts of brake pad on the rotors - the best way to bed in new pads, is to ride at a decent pace on a smooth surface, and pull firmly on the brakes. Repeat a few times and your brakes will be bedded in - remember to do so in a safe manner!

Misalignment is another leading cause of squeaking and noises from disc brakes - ensure that the caliper is lined up correctly with the rotor. A common cause of disc brake malfunfction and noise is a wonky disc brake rotor, which is usually caused by an accident in transit.