How to Fix Squeaky Bike Brakes
There are few things more annoying than trying to enjoy a peaceful ride on a beautiful day, only to be interrupted by the constant squeal of your bike brakes.
But before you take your bike into the shop (and shell out big bucks for an easy fix), consider this: there’s a surprisingly simple way to fix squeaky bike brakes, and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes.
With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your bike brakes fixed in no time—and you’ll save yourself a lot of money, too!
1. Identify the Source of the Noise
The most common cause of brake squeal is that the brake pads are loose and need to be tightened. However, noise can also be caused by worn-out brake pads or incorrect installation.
If you’re not sure where the noise is coming from, have someone else listen while you ride and see if they can pinpoint the source of the noise.
2. Take Action
If the problem is that the brake pads are loose, simply tighten them using an Allen wrench. To do this, first remove the wheel and then loosen the bolts that hold the brake pad in place.
Once they’re loose, push the pad closer to the rim until there’s no more wiggle room; then retighten the bolts. If the problem is worn-out brake pads, replace them with new ones.
You can find replacement brake pads at most bike stores or online. Finally, if you think the problem might be incorrect installation, take your bike to a professional mechanic and have them take a look.
3. Test Your Brakes
Once you’ve fixed the problem, go for a quick test ride around the block to make sure that everything is working correctly and that there’s no more squeal. If all goes well, enjoy your silent ride!
Conclusion
Squeaky bike brakes are annoying—there’s no two ways about it. But fortunately, they’re also easy to fix! With this step-by-step guide, you can fix noisy brakes in no time—and without spending a lot of money.
So next time your brakes start squealing on a ride, don’t despair; just follow these simple steps and enjoy silence once again.
