My wheels are whistling!

[AndyRM]

As the title says, my wheels have become rather tuneful under braking.

They're not wet, blocks seem fine and so do the rims. Any thoughts?

Wheels are Shimano R500 and the blocks are the bog standard ones that come with cheap Miche long drop caliper brakes.

There's no loss in braking performance, but it is a rather alarming sound!

 

[Paulus]

Is there any slight/excess play in the calipers? so that the whistling is actually vibration. Try taking the calipers off and clean them thoroughly and replace. Have you tried different brake blocks?

 

[AndyRM]

I've not tried different blocks yet, figured I might as well use the supplied ones, even if they are a bit cack.

There doesn't seem to be any play, would I not feel the vibration through the shifters?

 

[DWiggy]

I've also got a set of Shimano 501 earlier this year, they have done 3800miles and my local bike shop told me that the rims are quite badly worn and will need changing? also under braking they are a bit noisy? poor quality?

 

[Sharky]

What tune are they whistling?

Long and winding road?

 

[roadrash]

I havnt searched thruogh it all , but there maybe something in here, worth a look

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html

 

[AndyRM]

I havnt searched thruogh it all , but there maybe something in here, worth a look

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html

I've got a rattle as well, brilliant site!

 

[Paulus]

I

There doesn't seem to be any play, would I not feel the vibration through the shifters?

If the play was minimal you wouldn't feel it through the shifters or the bars, but it could still make a sound.

 

[cyberknight]

I've got a rattle as well, brilliant site!

All we need is a hum and U2 can make another free song

 

[AndyRM]

All we need is a hum and U2 can make another free song

I'd rather listen to the annoying noises on my bike for eternity than suffer such a fate.

 

[goody]

Brake blocks contacting tyre?

 

[AndyRM]

Brake blocks contacting tyre?

Nope, they're bang on the rim.

I suspect that it's either play in the caliper, or that the pads aren't toed in. Further investigation required methinks.

They do have v shaped grooves cut into them, would that make a difference? Probably not I reckon.

 

[cyberknight]

I'd rather listen to the annoying noises on my bike for eternity than suffer such a fate.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I'd rather listen to the annoying noises on my bike for eternity than suffer such a fate.

Where the streets have no name?

 

[jack smith]

Toe them in and it should stop then all the pad isn't hitting the rim at once, you could always change pads for better ones too