Favoritebikes Help Center

How to Stop Bicycle Disc Brakes From Squeaking

Squeaky disc brakes can be annoying and might indicate a problem that needs attention. Luckily, there are several solutions you can try at home to silence the squeal and restore your braking performance.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

      1Misaligned Front Wheel:

  • Check Wheel Alignment: Ensure that your front wheel is properly aligned in the fork. A misaligned wheel can cause poor braking performance and handling issues.
  • Reset the Alignment: To realign the wheel, follow these steps:
    • Loosen the quick release lever or the nut on the axle.
    • Ensure that the axle is aligned with the wheel hub.
    • Push the wheel all the way into the fork to ensure it is properly seated.
    • Tighten the quick release lever or the nut securely to hold the wheel in place.

 

      2.Dirty or Contaminated Rotors/Pads:

  • Clean the rotors: Use a dedicated disc brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag to wipe down the rotors. Avoid touching the rotors with your bare hands as the oil from your skin can contaminate them.
  • Check the pads: If the pads are contaminated with oil or grime, try cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol. If they're heavily contaminated, you may need to replace them.

 

      3. Misaligned Caliper:

  • Realign the caliper: Follow the steps in our "How to Align Hydraulic Disc Brakes" article (or a similar guide for your specific brakes) to ensure the caliper is properly positioned over the rotor.

      4. Glazed Pads:

  • Sand the pads: If the pads are glazed (shiny and smooth), remove them from the caliper and lightly sand the surface with sandpaper. This will rough up the surface and improve friction.

 

      5. Worn-Out Pads:

  • Replace the pads: If the pads are worn down to the metal backing plate, they need to be replaced.

 

      6. Wet or Humid Conditions:

  • Bed-in the brakes: After riding in wet conditions, "bed-in" your brakes by performing several hard stops from a moderate speed. This will help to dry out the rotors and pads and improve braking performance.

Additional Tips:

  • Check for loose bolts: Make sure all the bolts on the caliper and rotor are properly tightened.
  • Consult a mechanic: If you're unable to resolve the squeaking, take your bike to a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.