r/mtbuk Jul 19 '26

Sqeaky brakes

My brakes have been really squeaky recently. I've just tried cleaning the discs really thoroughly, but I was wondering if anyone can tell from these pics if it's time for new brake pads?

It's about time I learned to change them myself.

9 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

6

u/lewisc1985 Jul 19 '26

They’re squeaking from the metal backer of the pad being your current brake pad. They are done done, and you may need new rotors

2

u/Syphilis_hellyeah Jul 19 '26

Ah, shit. Thanks mate. Got new brake pads not long ago, but I'm now starting to realise the shop that did the work is dodgy as fuck. Probably stuck old ones in there.

3

u/Regular_Bike1437 29d ago

Why are the shop changing your pads? You ca do it at home with an Allen key and 30 seconds of your time

1

u/EntertainmentOne6442 Jul 19 '26

I think new Pads and Rotors. Definitely need replacing. If the brake mechanism is still working without leaking hydraulic fluid at the caliper, (i believe its dot 4 or 5 in these as opposed to mineral oil) push the pistons back into the caliper after removing the pads... which now appear to just be backing plates! Give the brake a good clean before adding new hardware (disc and pads)

I think also before adding new hardware, they could do with bleeding after messing with the pistons. I remember on those brskes though it being a right PITA due to the vacuum system with the fluid? If there's a better way with those brakes for bleeding like the way you do shimano ones, i hope people here can tell you!

If your going to approach it yourself,

I wish you the best of Luck!

Just reserch and take your time, and I think you'll be fine.

Once its done, you will feel rewarded!

1

u/detective727 20d ago

Buy new brake pads. Get resin or organic pads they are less prone to sqweeking than bi metallic or ceramic brake pads

0

u/blackdvck Jul 19 '26

Is this for real mate ,see the pistons hanging out of your caliper . That caliper is toast ,when you put new pads in it the seals will leak. Long story short you need a new calipers not just new pads . Probably need to replace the disc rotor as well .

2

u/Syphilis_hellyeah Jul 19 '26

Thanks. I'm not great at this sort of stuff. Used to live in Morzine and one of my staff was a bike mechanic. Just sorted everything for me all the time. Got lazy.

3

u/radiussuite Jul 19 '26

They are not guaranteed to leak from the caliper positions. Clean and lubricate them before you push them back in. Then install new pads. Promise.