Little nibs of metal on rims

[SpokeyDokey]

Any idea why they appear?

I removed 4 a few rides back and another has appeared - they make a real racket under light braking!

 

[wisdom]

Are your pads worn down?How old are the rims/wheels?Pop a picture up it may help.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Rims/pads are brand new (new bike).

Basically little tiny 'balls' 1mm or so across appear on the rim. Easy to get off but I just wonder why they form.

 

[Gary E]

The little metal things around your rim are called spokes and if they're making a noise under braking your pads are set way to low

....oh and it's probably best if you don't remove too many more!

.....no charge for the advice

 

[Arjimlad]

Check your pads for contamination. I had a tiny stone embed itself in a pad and it didn't do my rims any favours !

 

[Star Strider]

It's galling caused by crap on the pads.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galling

 

[SpokeyDokey]

It's galling caused by crap on the pads.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galling

Thanks for your reply SS - had a gander at the wiki link and got the drift of the long article.

I guess that is what is happening then - I can sleep easy now!

 

[Nebulous]

I get little corroded/pitted bits on my rims occasionally in the winter. I'm pretty sure its caused by road salt. Best answer is to clean your rims after every ride.

 

[spacecat]

What's the best way to get them off then?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

What's the best way to get them off then?

I use a little rubber block about 1" in diameter that has a super fine self adhesive abrasive pad on it made by 3M. They are used by car bodyshops to sand down paint runs etc.

Can't find it on the web though!

Something like this would do:

http://www.fishermotorfactors.co.uk...asive-pads/box-20-indasa-super-fine-hand-pads

Try a local bodyshop though - they are always helpful and will sell you a small quantity of superfine abrasive if you ask nicely.

 

[Star Strider]

Red scotchbrite will do, or J cloth of the right grit, you dont want to go too fine as it reduces braking if the rim is too smooth.