Squeaking Front Brake

[pershore]

Hi,
After a 40 or more years break I have returned to cycling and have a Universal Series 400 All Terrain Bike. (Don't laugh, it was what I could afford as a full time carer. ie Free!) It has centre pull brakes, and whilst I have fitted new blocks to the front one it squeaks like mad when I use it. Any suggestions how to stop this please? Would rubbing the blocks with a fine file or wet n' dry paper help? Any thing else?
Thanks for any ideas and it is nice to have somewhere like this where I can ask a question.

 

[tyred]

Adjust the pads so they "toe-in" slightly at the front.

They only need a small amount of toe-in. Don't set them to 30 deg or something.

 

[ianrauk]

a good tip is to: undo the brake pad bolt, place a bit of cardboard (or something similar thickness) between the trailing edge of the pad and the rim. Pull the brake lever, then tighten up the bolt. That should do ya..

 

[02GF74]

^^^ yep toe in - the front of the pad should contack the rim before the rim.

method as above, I have used 5 p coin and credit card and the method above.

 

[pershore]

Thank you for the replies. I have followed it and now seems squeakless!