How to stop bike brakes from sweaking?

Question

Im not that smart with bikes or anything so don't make fun of me or anything lol.. I sprayed the chain with Wd-40 yesterday, now back brakes are squeaking obnoxiously. Im thinking some wd-40 dripped onto where the breaks rub.. How can i fix this?

Answer 1

Rub a little sandpaper on the inside of the brake pads.  They are probably worn down and the WD-40 made the pads all smooth.

Answer 2

that is an unfortunate thing that happens to almost everybody who tries to use spray lubricant on a bicycle....you can take the pads off and try to dissolve the wd-40 or clean them off (and the rims), or you can just "ride" it out and wait for the lube to dissipate.  WD-40 is not the best thing for bikes, really....

Answer 3

Squeaky Brakes.

The squeak can be caused by a few things.  If hen you brae the bike shakes a bit, make sure all the 'nuts and bolts' are tight.  Apply some lube, sparingly, to the joints of the brakes, NOT the pad area, OR the rim.

Next check the pads for wear, if they are still in good shape, check the pad for debris, sometimes metal fragments and other bits get embedded into the pad.  Then, do as suggested with the sandpaper.  At my shop, I use grip tape (we sell skateboards too) stuck onto a bookmark-size strip of wood, and scratch up the surface of the pad.  A file would work as well, just to scuff the surface--like having your rotors turned.

You can also try using emery cloth and rub the surface of the rim where it makes contact, and then wiping them off.

Check the alignment of the pads.  They should be slightly toed in.  So looking down, they should point-EVER SO SLIGHTLY--toward the front (in the direction the wheel turns).  If the pads are not aligned properly, you are only braking with a small surface, which then causes the vibration, since the pad isn't able to make full contact.  Some pads are easier to adjust then others, if the pads are mounted on a smooth post, take them to a shop, cantilever brakes are a difficult sort, and need to be adjusted correctly for proper stopping power.

If all that doesn't work, get some new pads, and maybe have the LBS put them on and adjust them for you.

The WD in WD-40 stands for 'water displacement', it's great for clearing rockets of ice that forms on them when launched, but for bicycles, no.  Use an appropriate lubricant, you will be amazed at how well they work, and how non-stick they are, which helps keep parts from collecting dirt and debris.

Good luck with the squeak.

Get out and ride.

Answer 4

Run a clean coarse cloth around both sides of the rim and roughen up the brake pads a bit,

You shouldn't really be spraying WD40 on your chain either...