How to stop brake squeal on rim brakes (squeaking road bike brakes or noisy mtb brake problems): Noisy brakes or loud brakes are a common problem with brake pad wear or if the brake pads otherwise become misaligned due to loosening of the brake pad mounting bolt. Squealing and noise can also be caused by dirt and grime build up. First check the brakes for wear and replace brake pads if you no longer see the groves in the brake pad. Clean the pads as well as the rims with rubbing alcohol. Make sure the brakes are aligned and one brake pad is not rubbing against the rim of the wheel. If these measures don't fix the problem, you will probably need to toe-in the brake pads, that is, the front of the brake pad needs to contact the rim before the rear of the pad in order to prevent squealing (noisy brakes) as the brakes are applied. This quick easy method will "toe-in" and fix squealing bakes.
You'll need a reusable velcro hook and loop cable tie used to hold electric cord or garden hose (about 8 inches long) and some zip ties, both of which you can get for a few dollars at Home Depot or Amazon. The process will be same for front or back, whichever is squealing or making noise.
1. Open brake release lever on the bicycle brakes on both side
2. Place zip tie around rear of brake pad, Do the same for the other side
3. Close the brake release lever
4. Squeeze brake handles and, using the cable ties, hold the brake handle closed
5. Loosen brake mounting bolts, giggle and move up & down
6. Center such that it is resting on the rim (and NOT the tire) and then tighten mounting bolt
7. Repeat on other side
8. Open the release levers on the brake
9. Remove cable ties from both sides of the brakes
10. Remove zip ties and save for later use if needed
11. Close the brake release lever
Test brakes checking that front of pad hits rim before rear of the pad. It's a good idea to check the wear of the brake pads, alignment of the brakes and toe-in during normal bicycle maintenance and bicycle repair.
