Mountian Biking Question??

Question

My Front disc brakes have been squeaking when i brake hard... Is there any thing that i can do to stop and fix this problem??

Answer 1

Depends is the noise really squeaking or does it sound sort of like running water? If it is squeaking check your break pads for wear or contamination, if it is more like running water this is not uncommon.

Answer 2

The squealing is most likely occurring because some type of oil/grease etc. got on the rotors then on the pads.  Depending on how long its been on there, it can usually be fixed.  Take the pads out and use a somewhat fine sandpaper and rub them down a bit in a horizontal motion (  ----> or <----).  And for the rotors use fine grade steel wool and that should get the trick done.  

Answer 3

Keeping your rotors and pads clean is important, and you can try a quick fix of wiping down the rotors a couple of times with 91% isopropyl alcohol from the drugstore (not the 70% version, and not "rubbing alcohol").  

Chances are that your squealing comes from harmonic vibration, though.  First, be sure your wheel is sitting squarely in the dropouts, and then look carefully at your rotor while it's spinning slowly to see if it's tweaked.  Also watch how the pads contact the rotor when you apply the lever.  Tweaked rotors and mis-aligned calipers are the reason for most brake squealing.