Can anybody give any suggestions on curing a squeaking front brake ?? It's been squeaking since day 1 about a year ago. Thanks for any help.

Somebody here mentioned greasing the back side of the pads to stop the squeal.  I've also heard of using duct tape, and seen what looked like thick aluminum tape provided with new pads.

Here's an SBS item that looks like the right stuff.  It's at DennisKirk.com under part # 191268.  For eight bucks it's worth a shot.  

DavidV wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:


You mean using some brake squeal grease.  That helps by absorbing vibration, but the biggest thing is that brake squeal is caused by unequal contact of the brake pads with the rotor.  The common causes are....dirt, oil and grease on the rotor, glazed pads, or an uncentered caliper (as WD mentions).

As Rob mentions, a few hard stops with the front brake will  sometimes help to recenter the caliper on the rotor.  Clamping down tightly is an effort to try to move the cailper on those sliding pins.

Start by cleaning the rotor with a non-oily solvent.  If that doesn't help, pull the caliper off, clean it, lightly grease the pins, sand any glaze off the pads, and apply anti-squeal grease to the backsides.  Reassemble.

If you do any or all of the above, you should have no more squeal.

I also take the paint of the back of the pads.

Clive W  

CHRIS wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:


That's a good point...especially since I'm reading about this problem more from people with new bikes under 1000 miles.

Paula71 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:

Hey Paula,
just as a control test - pull the pads (it's very very easy to do) - i think we have pictures in the tech section - take some about 200 grit sand paper (give or take 20) and sand the surface of the pads, put a little anti squeal grease on the back of the pad and pop them back in - 15 minutes tops - it be would interesting to know how long this stops it - might not be a bad idea to wipe down the rotor with something when your done - like charcoal lighter on a rag.

Disc brake quite - the spray blue or red sticky stuff?

Cool, sounds like you got it hooking up proper - I was just wondering on the sticky stuff - It dosen't seem to last very long on a bike disc as compared to an auto - be fun to see how much time/miles you get a quite ride.