Screeching brakes

[jlnc]

My front brake just started screeching. Anyone know what is causing this, and if there is anything I can do to fix it myself (I am not very familiar with bike repairs) or should I just bring it in to the shop? I have a Trek 7.5 FX. Thanks for any advice!

[Roadtrip]

There are lots of good wrenches here, but have you done anything out of the ordinary lately, or did the brakes just start screeching? Mine do make a little noise if I've been someplace damp. There is also this really dusty road I drive down on the way to the trail and I know I've gotten grit and dirt on the wheels and brake pads-- so a good bike cleaning is in order!

Outside of the obvious, it might not hurt to take it in.. Better safe then sorry.

Shannon

[m.eliza]

Check the brake pads for little bits of metal. I've had them get stuck in there occasionally and make horrible sounds (and beat up the rims a little). If you see anything wedged in, take a pair of tweezers and pull it out. They can do this at your LBS, too. I can't imagine they'd charge you for it.

[Owlie]

Riding in damp weather? Grit or bits of metal stuck in there? (Get a damp rag and wipe the pads down.) There could also be stuff on your rims--wipe those down at the same time.

[PamNY]

Cleaning rims cleared up my screeching problem.

[Velocivixen]

Try cleaning the rims with a dry, clean rag first, then with another clean rag use rubbing alcohol or similar. If that doesn't do it, remove the wheels and look at the brake pads. You can use sandpaper or something to rough up the pads, especially if they look glazed.