What can I put on a new bicycle's front wheel that has started to squeeck to stop it from squeecking?

Question

What can I put on a new bicycle's front wheel that has started to squeeck to stop it from squeecking?

Answer 1

Do a few brief checks (apologies if this sounds obvious): check that the wheel isn't buckled - turn bike upside down, spin front wheel and observe from front. You can even try holding a piece of card against the fork, just touching the wheel rim as it spins (so that it act's like a width gauge).

Also check that the wheel is installed straight in the forks. Either of these two problems can make the wheel/bearings squeak a little.

If the wheel looks perfect and is installed correctly in the fork, it's probably the bearings and if you're not sure what you're doing, get someone who does know to have a look. If you do know one end of a spanner from the other, take the wheel off and check that the bearing race on each side is sited corrected and has a good dollop of grease to float in (the race shouldn't be full, just a good fingertip or two of grease will do). If the bearing is sealed, see if it spins freely and if not, replace.

Also check that it's not the brake pads rubbing; if so, they'll need to be cleaned (they squeak if they have impurities on them) and eased off the wheel slightly.

Nothing worse than a squeak on a bike/car. Hope that helps a little.

Answer 2

If it's a new bicycle take it back to where you bought it from and complain.

Answer 3

If the squeek is coming form the centre part of the wheel, the hub then apply a little oil.Any type will do that you have around the house.

Do not oil the rim of your wheel or the brake blocks if the squeek is coming from their, as if you do, your brakes will not work as they work by friction.

Answer 4

take it to the local bike mechanic. most likely he will only charge a few bucks and it will be fixed properly