Front disc brake has started rubbing and squeaking

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jamin100

Guru
Location
Birmingham
As per title really. The front disc brake seems to have developed a rubbing and squeaking sound. If i apply the brake it goes away for a few minutes but then returns.

If i lift the bike up and spin the wheel its clear that the brake pad is making contact with the disc

I have no idea on how to configure the brake so any help would be appreciated.

The bike is a chris boardman hybrid comp 2010

Thanks
 

lejogger

Guru
Location
Wirral
Are they the Avid BB5? Either way I'd google the type for an online manual. There'll be plenty of info on how to adjust the pad on the net.

If you're not technically confident then if your Halfords is good you could take it back for a tune up. £20 a year for 1 full service and as many brake/gear tinkerings as you need...
If you don't have confidence in your local Halfords then I'm sure the LBS would sort it out for a reasonable fee.

I generally try to fix most things, but disc brakes can be complicated, and brakes are important, so I don't mind paying for someone experienced to sort them out.
 

Globalti

Legendary Member
Have you had the wheel out of the forks? A disc brake shouldn't suddenly start rubbing; maybe the axle isn't sitting properly in the dropouts?
 
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jamin100

jamin100

Guru
Location
Birmingham
Have you had the wheel out of the forks? A disc brake shouldn't suddenly start rubbing; maybe the axle isn't sitting properly in the dropouts?

Nope, well not for a few weeks anyway. I'll have to have a proper look at it the weekend as im always out in daylight.
 
Do the standard adjust first, which is very, very easy.

Slightly unscrew the retaining bolts on the brake, there should be two that fasten the brake in place onto the frame. One full screw sould be enough, loosen them just enough to be able to wiggle the brake.

Now hold down the brake lever applying full braking. Don't let go.

Re fasten the bolts.

Let go of the brake. Spin wheel - if it just needing adjusting, that should have done it,

There's plent of video examples of this on YouTube if you need it.
 

Bicycle

Guest
This never happened on my pre-war BSA with rod brakes.

Pah! So much for so-called 'technology'! Brakes were brakes in them days.

Aye...

By Heck this typewriter's quiet!
 
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jamin100

jamin100

Guru
Location
Birmingham

Thanks,

Well I think I solved it last night actually. My brakes are Avid and have a red dial on them that adjusts the gap between the pads. A few turns of that and everything seemed ok. Brakes are still nice and responsive.

I'll give it ago tonight when i get the bike out.

avid_disc7.jpg
 

chugsy

Senior Member
Location
Nottingham
Sounds like you've widened the gap still - might feel tight pushing the bike but once you add the weight of an adult it's a different story! Working at the QR or clamp level is best. If you adjust pad distances make sure you use the supplied pad - disk spacer.




I used to find on my old rigid hybrid hitting big potholes was enough to knock the axle out enough to cause the disc to rub.
 
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