9 Ways to STOP Noisy Disc Brakes!

Disc brakes are generally reliable and durable components, and offer consistent braking, but can make a lot of noise if they’re not set up correctly or if they've been contaminated.

If you’re hearing a ‘ting ting ting’ sound, a metallic clanging or a cringe-inducing squeal as you stop, then your disc brakes likely have issues.

Our technical writer, Oscar Huckle, talks through the reasons why your disc brakes may be noisy and gives you steps on how to silence them.

Got any tips of your own? Let us know yours, in the comments!

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Chapters
00.00 Intro
00:36 Why are my disc brakes noisy?
01:05 Poor caliper alignment
03:44 Brake pad contaminated
04:54 Brake pad material
05:17 Bedding in your brake pads
06:02 Worn brake pads
06:37 Incorrect torque
07:20 Bent disc rotor
08:19 Poor or overfilled bleed
08:53 Poor frame facing
09:26 Conclusion

#BikeRadar #SqueakyBrakes #BikeMaintenance

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[bikeradar]

Have you woken up the neighbours with your squeaking disc brakes? Let us know your top tips on how to stop the squeaks! 👇

[DaveCM]

If you don't have the "alignment tool" a business card folded over the rotor or a piece of paper folded a couple of times does the trick also. Another thing that will help with the alignment is to spread the pads apart first before inserting the alignment tool or business card/folded paper. l learned that from experience. It works much better.

[MistaSCARY]

I had a very loud front brake squeal on my foldable ebike. And I followed your #1 & #2 methods for the fix...had to do both twice...and Viola'!! It WORKED!!! THANKS SO MUCHHHH!!!

[Dremvel]

Thank you very much. This is precisely what I needed to know. You were clear and concise.. Much appreciated.

[tommyofastora]

Thanks so much for the tip about squeezing the brakes to align them. Holy crap I wish I knew that sooner!!

[FoundingYouTuber-]

My friend has noisy brakes on his new e-bike. Since it is a new bike I suspect it may be a wheel(s) misalignment issue; or could be the bike has the common contaminated rotor/disc from the factory.

In any event I sent him the link to this video, with the advice to go from the least intrusive "brake check" and remedy, to those that are the most labor intensive fixes.

[lenf]

I'm staying with the rim brakes on my road bike as long as it takes - a lot less complications.

[TheTwistedStone]

If buying a brand new boxed bike I was always told to remove and degrease the discs because some manufacturers coat the whole bike in some kind of protective oil or fluid to stop corrosion which in turn can contaminate disc pads.

[piglegluckson]

Embrace your noisy 🚲 disc! I use them as horns to announce my arrival ... ½ block away 👌

[jahirk]

By 2:26 I already had all I needed to fix my bike. Thanks a lot

[EvanSteinberger]

Thank you! Squeak fixed, video liked.

[Obsrvr]

Anyone has an idea why i have the squealing problem only at low speed?
My brakes are silent when i am braking at higher speed but as I come to a stop, it starts squealing .... any suggestions? Thanks

[sventice]

Why is the pad clearance on road bike brake calipers so much smaller than it is with mountain bikes? I can't see a rational reason for this, and it's actually very annoying.

[michaelkennedy]

I can't wait for the industry to move towards the rim break system ;) Cheaper, easier to maintain, no noise and anyone who knows nothing about bikes can stop any run

[j.t]

Thank you. It works. Liked and subscribed.

[tomas]

You can also clean the pads with sandpapper

[JibbaJabber]

One more tip:
Make sure your caliper pistons are moving smoothly and equally!

If aren't, give them a clean/lubrication with some of your brake oil.

[dexzy]

I have a problem with my bike when I stand up and put some power down with my left leg there is a pretty loud grinding or rattling sound coming from the front wheel when I hold my front brake down a little bit it goes away. Everything is in its place and not loose

[FoundingYouTuber-]

Excellent presentation. Liked, subscribed, and rang that bell.

[KeithDeley]

i use washing up liquid, and a tooth brush, or some very fine sand paper.