bike squeaky brakes

[richardfinch]

i have a bike but the front brakes are squeaky, is there an easy way to stop them squeaking - could they need new pads and is it easy to change them? as the squeak is quite load and im afraid its scaring pedestrians
thanks
richard

[Graham-W]

It's quite possible that you need new pads.
Without knowing the type of bike it's difficult to know how hard they will be to change. Usually it's quite easy.
If the pads aren't worn out try putting some "Coppaslip" on the back of the pads (just a smear on the metal side. NOT on the friction side.) This damps the vibration on braking.

[montecatini]

If it's a bicycle then to prevent squeaking, the bike brake pads should be "toed-in," ie the blocks should be angled slightly and not jusy parallel to the rim. This allows the brake blocks to progressively make greater contact the harder brakes are pulled. Slacken off the securing nut or allen screw and twist the blocks slightly so that the front end is closer to the rim than the back end. Also ensure that when the brakes are pulled in that they make contact nicely on the rim and not making contact with the tyre. Tighten all bolts back up on completion.
I had to do this on a new bike my wife had, messed around with block positions, tried changing the blocks but still screeched, simply angling them slightly they went silent couldn't believe the difference - result (eventually)