Brake pads

[gazguildford]

Hi
If I was to change the brake pads on my rockhopper would this stop the terrible noise it's making? (strangled cat)
Sorry for my ignorance I'm new to this and not overly mechanically minded lol

 

[Shut Up Legs]

You quite possibly don't need new brake pads. Instead, have a look at this web page (scroll to the "Shoe Adjustment" section):
http://sheldonbrown.com/rim-brakes.html
The noise you described is probably due to the pads not being angled so that the front edge of the pad contacts the rim just before the rear edge.

 

[gazguildford]

Sorry I should of said they are disc brakes but thanks for the reply

 

[Globalti]

Take the pads out, noting their orientation, and file a small chamfer on the "leading" edges, i.e. the edges at the backs where the disc is entering the pads. This should reduce the noise.

If the brakes make a horrible juddering squawk as the bike rolls to a stop, they are contaminated with oil. Clean the discs with glass cleaner and put the pads in the dishwasher to degrease them.

 

[gazguildford]

They are definitely contaminated but I don't have a dishwasher and thing else like soak them?

 

[Globalti]

Then scrub in very hot water with a strong detergent like floor cleaner or dishwash, followed up with the same glass cleaner or some alcohol.

If the bike is new it wouldn't do any harm to ride it hard down a hill with the brake held on so that it gets really hot.

 

[gazguildford]

Thanks for the advice I will give it a go and try to save a few quid I'll get that done while the football is on then ill do a few hills I know

 

[gazguildford]

Ok so I was at work I took the pads out ready to scrub them and the water was off!
I did however clean them with alcohol hand was and then rub some round the disc to save taking them apart for sweet fa, I rode home with some gentle pressure on the brake and it's worked a treat!
Thanks for the advice on the alcohol and thank god I work for the nhs lol

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Glad you got it sorted out but don't bother messing about with dish washers and glass cleaner. Proper brake cleaner is only a couple of quid from any auto factors.

 

[gazguildford]

It was certainly a quick fix but I'm going to replace them soon anyway because the squawking has stopped but the pads are less affective

 

[mrbikerboy73]

Sometimes it's the only cure but it's worth giving the discs a good clean so you're not risking contaminating the new pads. Money well spent though for sure

 

[Cubist]

It was certainly a quick fix but I'm going to replace them soon anyway because the squawking has stopped but the pads are less affective

The alcohol hand cleanser probably has some moisturising substance in it. The pads are probably junk now. Replace with some aftermartket ones by Superstar Components and treat yourself to a bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol from ebay.