how do you stop brake pads from sqeaking on a bicycle?

Question

I have a brand new road bike, and after i changed the tube after a flat, the brakes started sqeaking. I thought it might be the angle that the brake pad[s] was hitting the rim, but i con't seem to fix it.

Answer 1

WD-40? Are you kidding? Do not use WD-40 on any parts of your bike. (WD: Water Displacer. You do not want water displacement on your bike)

Since you said you have a road bike, im assuming you use rim brakes and not disc brakes. In this case, brakes will always squeak to some extent. When the pads are worn in and there is some of the pad's material on the rim, the squeak will stop unless you break very hard, enough to skid. The squeak occurs when the cantilever brakes are not strong enough to completely stop the rim, but are in contact with the rim. They rub and create this noise. When they are rubbing on bare metal instead of metal with a thin layer of pad material, they will make more noise.

Also, you will want to keep your rims and pads dry. Dry the rims after every ride, and do not lock the brakes when the bike isn't in use. If you ride through a puddle, it could have traces of oil or gasoline in it. Therefore, after every wet ride, dab a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and rub it onto the rims, both sides. This removes the oil.

Good luck,
Adam

Answer 2

Brakes do not "always squeak to some extent"

Properly adjusted and maintained brakes will stop effectively, and almost silently.

But Adam was right on several other points. Take your bike to the shop, whree you bought it brand new, have the mechanic inspect and show you what's wrong and how to fix it. They should do this free since you bought it there.

Good luck
Scott

Answer 3

Try cleaning the pads and rims with some alcohol. May have gotten something on them when handling the wheel.

Answer 4

WD 40

Answer 5

try to use some sandpaper on the pads. they might be glazed

Answer 6

Oil 'em. You won't stop, but they won't squeak

Answer 7

take them off