Constant Squeal

[Chrismawa]

My bikes a Carrera Gryphon Disc spec, that I bought from Halfords (yep i know

lol), a couple of months ago.

Its been back to have the wheel straightened as it was out of shape. Now since I've had it back I'm getting a constant squeal when I'm riding along. I think it may be coming from the rear disc as when I press the brake it stops.

Any ideas why this may be happening? Before I have to take it back to Halfords, which I don't want to do!

Thanks.

 

[byegad]

Sounds like you need to reset the pads. Almost all manufacturers have a web page showing you how.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

The disc (brake) is probably out of shape too. I was told the squeal my Carerra was producing (at speed) was something to do with a very slight rub between the brake pads and the disc, in combination with the speed, producing a vibration of just the right frequency to create a really irritating high pitched squeal. I took a set of pliers to my disc and gently straightened (true) the disc which sorted the problem out. Google "bent disc brake" or something like that.

I was happy to do this to my bike but the decision to do it to your own is solely your decision.

 

[Chrismawa]

hmmm I had the suspicion that the disc could be warped/bent.

This bike has been nothing but problems!

 

[Moodyman]

Try centering your pads as Bygad says.

Dead easy but not easy to explain. Look it up on You tube there's plenty of videos

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1 Job usually takes a matter of minutes

Try centering your pads as Bygad says.

Dead easy but not easy to explain. Look it up on You tube there's plenty of videos

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I used to get a constant squeal then I realised it only happened when I was cycling with my 7 year old!

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I used to get a constant squeal then I realised it only happened when I was cycling with my 7 year old!

OMG use a bike like the rest of us.

 

[Chrismawa]

Cheers guys, Ill take a look at the pads first.

I doubt there would be much point taking it back to Halfords, it will probably come back with more problems!

 

[Chrismawa]

Well had a quick look at the bike this morning when I got to work and I can see the problem quite easily.

Instead of the disc sitting in between the the two pads like I imagine it to, it is sitting pressed up against one of the pads! Would this be a case of re-setting the pads as someone suggested or is the disc out of alignment?

Halfords sure do suck at bike maintenance!

 

[Cubist]

Well had a quick look at the bike this morning when I got to work and I can see the problem quite easily.

Instead of the disc sitting in between the the two pads like I imagine it to, it is sitting pressed up against one of the pads! Would this be a case of re-setting the pads as someone suggested or is the disc out of alignment?

Halfords sure do suck at bike maintenance!

Undo the bolts holding the brake caliper to the frame. You only need to slacken them off so that the caliper moves side to side. Lift the back wheel and spin it, then apply the rear brake. Keep holding the brake lever on tight, put the bike down and tighten the bolts, alternating a little bit at a time until they are firm (don't overtighten them, just a bit of a nip up beyond finger-tight should do it. ) Let go of the brake lever and spin the wheel to check the wheel runs smoothly. If it does, then that's it, job done. If it doesn't try again....it's a bit trial and error until you find a sweet spot.


The rotor doesn't move, or shouldn't do. Is the rear wheel QR? If so, before you try the above, try resetting the wheel in the drop-outs to make sure it's in properly.

 

[Yellow Fang]

The disc (brake) is probably out of shape too. I was told the squeal my Carerra was producing (at speed) was something to do with a very slight rub between the brake pads and the disc, in combination with the speed, producing a vibration of just the right frequency to create a really irritating high pitched squeal. I took a set of pliers to my disc and gently straightened (true) the disc which sorted the problem out. Google "bent disc brake" or something like that.

I was happy to do this to my bike but the decision to do it to your own is solely your decision.

I had a problem like this too. I think I might have knocked the disc brake when I was carrying the bike upstairs. I found just pushing it, just a little bit with my finger, cured it.

Apparently, if you get oil on the disks somehow, and that transfers to the brake pads, then they're always going to squeal until you replace the pads.

Another tip I've heard of is to put muddy water on the disks.