Squeeling/juddering Hydro Disk brakes

[Dave Crampton]

I've had my Spec Rockhopper SL for a year now and not long after I got it the rear brakes started to squeal when used. I have a second set of wheels, made up for me (identical spec) for road tyres. Both now squeal and judder when I brake on the rear wheel. I'm now wearing out my front brakes, as a result and recently asked another forum what I could do to stop the squeal/judder. Someone suggested loosening the bolts and applying the brakes before tightening - to centre the brakes, but this hasn't done anything, still squealing.

Before I take it to a local bike shop, has anyone got any other ideas?

Also - supplimentry Q, The Front brake pads do have some pads left on them, ~1mm (after inspecting them). I have Tektro Auriga Hydrolic brakes and I'd like to know, can I just top up the brake fluid chamber, as the brake leaver (after adjustment screw adjusted), it nearly tight against the grips when braking, or should I take it to the local shop?/Bike guy?

Cheers, in advance.

Dave C

 

[mattsccm]

Squealing can be many things. Try the easy bits first. Clean the discs and pads. Maybe whiip the pads out and rough them up a touch. Maybe ask your local motorcycle shop for brake cleaner. Wurth stuff is less than £4,50 for a big tin. I swear by the stuff.

is the disc a touch bent. lay it on something very flat eg a bit of glass. They can be tweaked flat.
A tiny smear of copper grease on the back of the pads can stop vibrations/squeal.

Judder is something not quite straight.

I undo the caliper mount, the bolts that point down, not any that point to the disc, hold brake on and tighten bolts.

Not sure why you need to add fluid unless its leaked. If its because the pads are worn then add pads. The point of hydraulics( well one of them ) is that you don't adjust/add fluid. Just amybe the padsa are worn. Each brake has its own wear limits. Check yours . And measure with a Vernier caliper. If in doubt buy a pair of cheap pads for each end. 9/10 that will fix the problem and it was cheap to do. Then buy better ones when you need them. Worn pads screw discs. Don't let this happen.

Why bother with a shop. I am all for them but a bike is simple, everyone can mend one. That sort of job is more fiddling than parts , so have a go your self.

 

[Andy_R]

Swap the pads over, front to back and vice versa. If the back still squeals/judders then its the rotor. If the front squeals then it's the pads. As mattsccm suggested, get some brake cleaner and give the pads and rotors a good going over. Some people also advocate putting pads in the dishwasher or even in a warm oven for a couple of hours (never tried it, so can't say whether or not it works!)

 

[Dave Crampton]

Cheers guys, I didn't think of swappng the pads front and rear. The discs may not be flat, as I hang the wheels on one bit of bungy in the garage, so might look at them to see if they're straight. I have loosened the bolts, applied brake and retightened, but that didn't work.

I'll also try copper grease on the back of pads and this Wurth stuff, will search on google.

Thanks again,

Dave C

 

[PoweredByVeg]

My link

Hi Dave C,

If you click on the link above, it shows a post I put up a while ago, see what you think