Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

Intermittent disc brake rubbing

5 min read

Asked by: Mike Ottena

If the brake rub is more intermittent and rhythmic, your brake rotor is bent, and that noisy spot is where it’s rubbing the pads. Your rotor will need to be trued. Note: Watch your fingers! Don’t get so focused on the brakes that you get a finger caught in the spokes or rotor while the wheel is spinning.

Why does my disc brake keep rubbing?

One of the most common reasons a disc brake is rubbing is the brake caliper is misaligned with the disc rotor. It is imperative the caliper is centered properly. If it isn’t, the disc will scrape against either the brake pad or on the inside of the caliper body.

Why are my brakes still rubbing after I changed them?

If your brakes are grinding after installing new pads and rotors, the reasons could include a thin layer of rust due to moisture, a difference in metallurgy at the surface of the brake pad, lack of lubrication on the contact points on the brake calipers, and misaligned brake clips.

Do disc brakes rub when new?

It’s not unusual for disc brakes to make squeaking and scraping noises, especially on new bikes.

Should disc brakes drag a little?

Let us begin by mentioning that a little brake drag is normal and brake pads and rotors are usually in slight contact. If you were to spin your wheel, the wheel should be able to partly turn on its own.

Is it normal for bike disk brakes to rub?

There are two main reasons your disc brakes might be rubbing. Either the brake caliper is not aligned correctly, or the brake rotor isn’t straight. Or, you could have both problems. First, put your bike in a bike stand (or have a patient friend hold it) so you can spin the wheels freely.

How long does it take for new brakes to bed in?

Most brake pad compounds will take up to 300-400 miles to fully develop an even film transfer onto the rotors.

Why does it sound like metal scraping when I drive?

Potential Reason for the Scraping Sound while Driving



Saggy Wheel Bearing. Twisted Brake Shield. Worn out Brake Components. Items like Debris being Stuck in the Brakes.

What does a stuck caliper sound like?

A seized brake caliper undetected will often let out a noise similar to that of worn-out brake pads. Early on, it might sound like something is rubbing when you let off the brake pedal.

How do you fix brake rub?

Quote from video: And adjust what are called the spring tension screws on each one of the brake arm there's a spring tension screw turning it to the left is going to loosen the tension.

How do you fix car brake rub?

Quote from video: Then the brake pads just go right into the slots. And you squeeze the caliper back in place with the giant pair of pliers squeeze.

Why is my bike making a scraping sound?

Likely the most common of all the annoying bike noises, scraping and popping usually occurs when there is an issue with your derailleur or shifting.

How do you reset disc calipers?

Quote from video: You just need to push the pistons back out no special tools required. First remove your brake pads. This is usually a matter of pulling out or unscrewing a pin at the base.

How do you fix drag disc brakes?

Quote from video: It's going to lubricate those seals. So again Pistons come out let go the brake lever push the Pistons back in and this works whether you have brakes that use dat fluid or mineral. Oil.

Why are my disc brakes not gripping?

Quote from video: It's either air in the system or a pressure situation compress your loss. Parts of friction issue at the calipers.

How do you fix car brake rub?

Quote from video: Then the brake pads just go right into the slots. And you squeeze the caliper back in place with the giant pair of pliers squeeze.

How do I fix my bike brakes rubbing?

Quote from video: And adjust what are called the spring tension screws on each one of the brake arm there's a spring tension screw turning it to the left is going to loosen the tension.

Why are my disc brakes not gripping?

Quote from video: It's either air in the system or a pressure situation compress your loss. Parts of friction issue at the calipers.

Why are my front brakes grinding when I stop?

If your brake pads are excessively worn, the metal backing on them can become exposed, allowing the rotors and metal to grind against each other when you brake. Not only does this cause an unpleasant sound, but it can also damage your rotor, reduce your brakes’ responsiveness, and lead to brake failure.

Why do my brakes grind but pads good?

Your brake system could have debris from the outside get lodged in it. This debris could be a piece of rock or gravel that gets stuck in the caliper. Then, the debris will rest between the rotor and caliper, and cause scraping or grinding noises to occur and possibly vibration.

Why does it sound like metal scraping when I drive?

Potential Reason for the Scraping Sound while Driving



Saggy Wheel Bearing. Twisted Brake Shield. Worn out Brake Components. Items like Debris being Stuck in the Brakes.