Probably every cyclist was faced with moments when disc brakes on a bicycle squeak annoyingly. What to do in such cases? Let's try to figure this out together.
Why do disc brakes squeak on a bike?
The cause of the noise, which causes discomfort when braking, is usually hidden in the incorrect grinding of the planes. In addition, the problem may be supplemented by surface contamination in wet weather.
If disc brakes creak on a bicycle that just got off the counter of a sporting goods store, you should not immediately return it. To work at full strength, the system must go through some grinding in until an abrasive layer forms on the rotor.
Disc brakes on a bicycle creak when braking and in those cases when the textured surface, which is required for effective braking, is incorrectly formed during break-in. At the same time, the block is not able to reliably engage with the rotor, bouncing and creating gaps.
Disc brakes on a bicycle creak when pits and uneven paths form on their surface. Thus, the system, which is responsible for the timely stop of two-wheeled transport, turns into a semblance of a gramophone, tuned to an annoying screech.
Prevention
Often disc brakes on a bicycle creak after replacing the old system with a new one. To eliminate the effect, it is enough to accelerate at medium speed, and then brake several times.
Inexperienced cyclists, after buying a new “iron horse”, at first try to operate it in a sparing mode, carefully passing downhills and only slightly grabbing the brakes on corners. Often such actions lead to the formation of an uneven, textured pattern on the discs.
If disc brakes creak on a bicycle, pay attention to their lubrication. For these purposes, it is recommended to use a special lubricator. When using a chemical spray, you will have to endure annoying sounds for a long time until the system returns to normal. In addition, during the application of an aerosol lubricant, other functional elements and surfaces are likely to become contaminated, on which later a stable dust layer forms.
In terms of prevention, it is also worth paying attention to a number of recommendations:
- Keep your bike clean by wiping the brake system after every ride in wet weather. To do this, it is enough to use a solvent, white spirit or gasoline. The meaning of such actions is to increase the area of contact and increase the friction force.
- Regularly clean the pads regularly. This can be done mechanically, carefully scraping off the dirt with a knife or with the same sandpaper.
How to eliminate creaking in the brakes? Tools and materials
To solve the problem, you may need the following devices:
- Technical napkins.
- Bicycle brake fluid .
- Fine sandpaper.
- Protective gloves and glasses.
- A set of keys and screwdrivers.
Step-by-step instruction
When the rear disc brake on the bicycle creaks, the following steps must be performed:
- Remove the brake pads by unscrewing the locking pin.
- Remove the brake rotor from the wheel.
- Clean the disc using a special liquid, then wipe it with technical wipes.
- Carefully sand a clean disc with fine-grained emery paper, evenly removing the top coat in a circular motion. As a result, the contact surfaces of the disc brake system should become as even as possible.
- After achieving the desired result, thoroughly wipe the disc with a clean piece of damp material or use the same wipes.
Brake pads are similarly treated. All elements of the brake system are wiped dry and placed in a clean place. Next, the rotor is mounted back on the wheel. The operation is recommended to be performed with gloves.
After installing the brake pads, the locking pin returns to its original position and the system is ready for use again. In conclusion, in order for the brakes to return to normal, you need to ride a bike several times, accelerating at a speed of about 20 km / h, and then stop abruptly.
How to brake?
To ensure a timely stop, the rear and front disc brakes must be effectively set. It is not necessary to weaken the front system for fear of a coup when braking. You just need to learn how to use the stop correctly, which can be done by performing maneuvers at different speeds.
As for the rear brake, it is recommended to use it in sharp turns, since it is quite difficult to turn the steering wheel and be in the saddle, relying on the front system.
Do not clamp the rear and front brakes at the same time. First you need to try to learn how to stop at low speed, gradually increasing it. Only in this way can we determine the optimal pressure on the handle, depending on the situation.
Learning how to safely brake jerkily allows the alternate use of the rear and front systems. Feeling the slip of one wheel, you must stop the second to a complete stop. You should never jump from a bicycle or put your legs forward, trying to increase traction.
Conclusion
After considering the main reasons why an unpleasant creak is observed during braking, it becomes much easier to fix the problem. Performing the above steps in an exact sequence allows you to save disc brakes from annoying squeak, screech, squeak and other unpleasant sounds. Proper operation of the system, keeping it clean and performing periodic preventive maintenance allows you to ensure your own safety and enjoy skiing in any conditions.