How to stop squealing brakes and get more power (bedding in brake pads and rotors) | Syd Fixes Bikes

If your brakes are squealing or don't feel like they are getting full power (especially at the beginning of a ride) you may need to sand down and re-burn/bed in your pads and rotors. In this video we show you how to sand, clean and burn in your brakes properly for maximum (and silent) braking power.
What you'll need:
Centerlock tool: bit.ly/3fGZfIu
or T25 tool (for 6-bolt rotors): bit.ly/3l9ploF
Allen keys: bit.ly/2JhQclJ
Brake cleaner (or isopropyl alcohol): bit.ly/3mrBRlb
Sand paper: amzn.to/33nnR4p
Paper towels: amzn.to/36tvFnd
Other things in the shed:
Our toolkit: bit.ly/337LfDf
Work stand: bit.ly/3sekMPO
Tool pegboard: amzn.to/3mTYlLY
Syd's apron: amzn.to/345MbHz
Paint pens: amzn.to/2TpCL4u
00:00 Intro
00:21 What you'll need
00:40 Why should you do this?
02:18 Sanding your pads and rotors
06:05 Cleaning your pads and rotors
08:09 Burning (bedding) in your pads and rotors
09:11 How to sand and burn in brakes in one minute
These links are affiliate links which means we get a small percentage of the sale! The price stays the same for you, but you can support our channel by purchasing through one of these links :)
If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel:
Patreon: / sydandmacky
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Paypal: paypal.me/sydandmacky
Or hit the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip
Our vlogging channel: / sydandmacky
Our Instagram: / sydandmacky

[@sydfixesbikes]

If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel by hitting the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip.

[@guillaumedubois8896]

I tried and absolutely nothing changed still squeal like a mad pig and no breaking power

[@sydfixesbikes]

Your pads are probably so contaminated that they need to be replaced. You should carefully check your brake calipers to make sure they aren't leaking oil as that's the most common cause of contaminated pads. If it's bad enough, you may have to replace the rotors too...

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Will it help to wear gloves to not touch by hands?

[@sydfixesbikes]

It's best to avoid touching the rotor surface at all, because even if you're wearing gloves, if you touched anything with the gloves beforehand that can get on the rotors.

[@thegreatestofalltime777]

Thanks! I used the finest finishing sand paper and it smoothen the rotor. Now my front brake doesn't apply at all.😊

[@stad2126]

As a woodworker and MTB rider, my heart hurt when Syd was sanding the pads. - Lay the paper on the bench, grit side up. Then slide the pad around against the paper (working side toward paper, obviously). Alternatively, Syd could have used a sanding block. All this keeps the new, sanded surface essentially flat, without high and low spots (That will have to be seated in later). The little bit Syd asks about at ~2:50 is a Circlip - a bit unusual shape with the right angle bend, but that's what it is. Overall, a great series of videos. Please keep them coming!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Great tip on sanding! And good to know about the circlip.

[@sacha2711]

@@sydfixesbikes incorrect re circlip, circlips are similar grooved pin retaining clips www.mcmaster.com/circlips ; these are actually (right-angle) hairpin clips www.mcmaster.com/retaining-pins/hairpin-clips/ the right angle isn't necessary, you can usually find the straight versions in the small parts bins at your local hardware store--just remember to buy 10, as all retaining clips violate the conservation of mass.

[@sacha2711]

@@sydfixesbikes even easier rotor/pad sanding method: apply adhesive-backed sandpaper www.mcmaster.com/8224A34/ to a set of worn brake pads (clean pads first so sandpaper sticks), install pads, ride & apply brakes. in theory you could do similar to sand a set of glazed pads: apply adhesive-backed sandpaper around the braking circumference of an old rotor, install rotor, install wheel, ride & apply brakes--you might have a hard time fitting the rotor + sandpaper between the brake pads however unless the pistons are fully retracted.

[@shannonhoyle7432]

Also a woodworker and 2 seconds in was heading to comments to say the same thing lol 😆 😂 😅

[@tl2913]

Good tips... I wish Syd had said bedding in, not burning in the brakes! :)

[@zimmermandk]

There are a lot of KZbin "Experts" on here, but not a lot of "Thank yous".......Syd and Macky, Thank you for the tips. The entire series is great!!!!

[@valesz4140]

Seriously this channel just has a different vibe man i really love gmbn and parktool but damn does this channel a different vibe

[@truth8358]

👏👏👏👏 well said ✊

[@ryanjofre]

I concur

[@picox8]

Better way to sand the pads is to put sandpaper on something straight, like glass or mirror and move the pads on it with little pressure (with two-three fingers) distributed on the whole surface . This way you dont sand too much in one spot.

[@HowardWaggoner]

7 years tool and die machinist. Peter you are correct, glass is very flat but there is the risk of breaking it in the process. I'd suggest a 2" wide 12" 1/4" thick aluminum plate from your local hardware store for a couple bucks a better way to go. Do not clamp or screw it down as this will put a unwanted bow in it, if it moves on your bench, place a couple strips of the thin double sided tape on one side to keep it in place, then thin spray of tack glue to adhere the sand paper to it. Also, putting pressure in middle of the pad will do a better job of keeping even pressure on the surface of the pad when drawing it across the sandpaper, keeping you from taking more material off one side or end than the other. This same process is used in tool and die shops for "lapping" of high precision parts. When you are done, twist the aluminum off, don't pry as it will put a bow in it, and you and reuse it. I use mine on a rubber mat and don't need the tape now.

[@williamgressman2958]

​

[@gabrielpinard5538]

What grit of sand paper should I use

[@annagraham6204]

@@gabrielpinard5538 Good question. Nobody mentions that.

[@TheFact_Verse]

@@annagraham6204 if it's glazing like a mirror, maybe a 120 is good, to break the surface better, but in general I would use 180 or 240 to rough it up. For the rotor a 320 or 400 would be an option, since you rough the metal more gently up.

[@madilinegrant]

Just followed you step by step, and my brakes no longer sound like crunching gravel when I slow down. Thanks, guys. Your material is so valuable and greatly appreciated.

[@BasicBodThor]

100% didn't know this was a thing and the shop never told me. I got my first mountain bike and went riding without bedding in the pads and have had this issue since without knowing why. Thank you!!!

[@philklepka6933]

You won't see this most likely, but these videos have provided a wonderful mental boost each week. Not only to work on my own bike, but to get out and ride so I have problems to fix! Thanks for making this channel Syd(and macky!)

[@sydfixesbikes]

Woohoo! So glad to hear this!!!

[@manningthomson7918]

And that explains perfectly what I need to do on my brakes tonight! Thanks for the simple easy to follow tips

[@MikeHoltNEC]

I have watched a few of your videos the past few days on topics I thought I understand. But your format is just truly amazing; enjoyable, great chemistry, funny comments from Syd and you. Congratulations on the perfect format. I live in Santa Fe, NM and hope to visit with one maybe one day.

[@airliftpilot]

I wish I had a bookshelf full of parts! Such a great channel...I’ve done my own work for decades and this is easy to follow and helpful!

[@drmoynihan]

Thank you Syd. I have 2 FS mtn bikes, with my Commencal at home in Oregon. I am in Thailand now and my FS Canyon Neuron has been hanging an entire year and the brakes are squealing like a pig. There are a number of good reference videos, but yours is one of the 3 best that I've seen before!!! So as soon as I saw "Syd - Brakes" I knew I it to be a dependable tutorial. Thank you Syd (& Husband). 😊

[@boowiebear]

I bought new pads as I have never saved a pair that glazed but I gave your steps a try and did the bedding like you said and I am skidding to a stop with them. Thank you!! ❤

[@andiandholly]

followed your advice - no annoying sounds anymore and break power, as i expect for dh brakes 👍👍👍👍love your channel ❤️

[@kellowm]

Love that I hit on your channel. Easy to follow videos and not too deep into the rabbit hole of all things bike - appreciate that.

[@jamesmcpherson3924]

When sanding like this fails or the squealing comes back quickly, use drywall sanding screen for the pads so that the contamination actually falls away and isn't re-imbedded. It's as cheap or cheaper than the sandpaper, is just as available and tends to last longer. Additionally, try to sand in any direction except the way you sanded, you don't have to be perpendicular, just not parallel to the rotor's travel as shown. For one, you'll be able to see how much you've sanded, AND more importantly, the grooves will help the bedding process rather than hinder.

[@imi250]

Priceless ideas, thanks a lot!!!

[@jamesmcpherson3924]

@@imi250 Jude Monico from Magura is the source of these ideas. I'm just a messenger.!

[@stushikesandrides]

Thank you so much for posting this and your five minute lever bleed video, I can’t tell you how much time and money you have saved me with just those two posts! If there’s one thing that’s going to make a Yorkshire man happy it’s saving him some money 😂 Keep up the good work. Kind regards Stuart (U.K.)

[@johncarroll8000]

You two are great together. 😊 top KZbinrs. Also I learned in detail everything I need to know about my disc brakes. 😊 excellent video.

[@1969Escobar]

Guys great work, you are the most entertaining couple of mtb , cheers from Colombia

[@dedraptor4908]

Thank you you're a legitimate life saver! My electric scooter pretty much has the same disc brakes as a maintain bike and this helped me so much, my pads and rotors work like as if I just took my scoot out of the box!

[@KeyboarderGio]

Mech engie here: the 'safety little thing that secures the pin' is usually referred as 'cotter pin'. In Italy and Europe each country has a strange name for that little thing (ITA: coppiglia) XD Thanks a lot for the video, my girlfriend's bike was squeaking exactly in the same way (same sound and pitch), while mine never did so over 10 years - so i was a bit confused. Will do the proposed fix asap!

[@incognitomiller5389]

Put the sandpaper on the bench(sand up) and rub the pad across the top of the paper. For the rotors, put an edge of the sandpaper at the edge of the bench and run the rotors edge across the sandpaper and just rotate each as needed. 2 reasons. It's easier on your hand and keeps an even keel across the pad and/or disc instead of creating 2 unflat surfaces. Hope it helps. Thanks y'all for your great videos!

[@zerozeroseven2591]

Great job, thank you! You are knowledgeable and skilled, but best of all both of you are likable and relatable...👏👍👏

[@travisholman7696]

These videos are great I know how to do a majority of the stuff you make videos about but I still find myself sitting and watching your videos.

[@nimiro2668]

Love the explanations! Leaves no questions open.

[@sugizotakuro]

never seen your videos before. the content is good in a leisure manner. thanks

[@roneysilveira7606]

I love the way you explain each service part: thank you guys 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@justinrickard5972]

Syd you remind me a lot of my wife. Some of the terms you use for the tools is awesome. She does the same thing. Thank you both so much for all the information you give to all the home mechanics. Keep it up. Happy holidays

[@ronr.53400]

damnnn ... there iz uh GAHD 😚

[@jessiegonzales3436]

Thank you! It was a really straight forward learning experience, keep up the good work.

[@kingdomculture5743]

Thanks - you mentioned something I am experiencing with my bike. My bike disc brakes are not stopping or "locking up" as you mentioned. Thank you for showing a solution.

[@johnabruzzi8846]

You guys help me with centering rotor and prevent rubbing. Thanks ❤️

[@rowenchapman3023]

By far the best video on this issue

[@Jerrick24]

You guys are awesome, you make bike maintenance fun, informative, and entertaining. Thanks!!

[@thurgogopro5338]

Really? Neither of them know how to describe an R clip. Don't know to keep the sandpaper flat to re-surface pads etc. Why be taught by a novice

[@ThinkyPain]

An often undone and under appreciated step. Quality video Syd! (no credit for Macky :P)

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Having problems with my brakes and this is the first place I looked for help

[@NDemanuele1]

Great video. Simple and easy to follow! I need to watch your bleeding one.

[@-A.n.d.r.e.w-]

that was so useful!!! Thanks a pile! Now I know what's wrong with my stoppers and can sort them properly.

[@user-dv9fc1jf6n]

Fun video with easy explanation of the steps involved. Thanks!

[@marcsee4072]

this was what i was looking for!! great video and thanks guys

[@jasonmaennling9326]

Thanks for the tips on this, I think it has solved my issue.

[@perrystalsisworldofbiology767]

Despite 10s of thousands of Kilometres under my belt, I remain pretty naïve when it comes to bike mechanics. I got my MTB repaired an serviced ($400) some time ago and road it yesterday for the first time since. Cue big hill. Both my breaks squealed like a pig and I had no stopping power. Even though there was no-one within 10kms of me I was still pretty embarrassed by the noise. The birds were looking at me with like "What the fcuk?" Anyway, I thought i'll have a look to see if Syd and Macky have a video addressing this problem. So here I am. I didn't know you had to burn in your pads etc. I'll have a go and see what happens. Thanks for the video and keep up the great work!

[@conman1395]

Usefult tip: it doesn't matter if you touch the rotor when you're sanding it. Just clean it with alcohol after

[@RobMacKendrick]

Which you should do anyway. Clean those mofos with alcohol all the time. If you store your bike in a locker that nobody opens up for a full year, when you take it out again... clean the rotors with alcohol. Because this isn't very robust technology.

[@cokbagus23]

I dunno, brake cleaner seems to be better than alcohol

[@kennyotsu4357]

@@cokbagus23 its basically the same thing. Bike cleaner may contain less alcohol to make room for washing components, but after all its just vodka

[@nanoverse]

@@kennyotsu4357 no, you can't get high on brake cleaners. Some have small amounts of alcohol. But still cheaper to use brake cleaners than vodka.

[@thedoggoesskrrrt]

I use coke to eliminate the noise, works every time

[@samanthakitchen8227]

Thank you! Now I know what to do with my noisy new brakes 🙌🏻

[@lindatisue733]

Thanks! Was going to buy new pads, but I will give the sanding a try.

[@etrou4]

Love to get all the information in 1 min. But I love to hear you 10 minutes!

[@MrLmb4682]

Thanks for the awesome videos. Keep them coming… I have been watching you guys since before we opened a bike shop in our small hometown of Oxford, Michigan!! if you’re ever around here stop in. Oxford bike Shoppe!!!

[@furiousframe]

I don’t normally comment. I feel like I have to though, your videos are great they are so helpful! I’m now a subscriber 😊

[@gervaciosantosiii2552]

Thanks for the informative video, I learned something new today !!!!!

[@junboo8730]

So true. I got my bike from the shop. They bleed my brakes but didn’t do this. I can feel the brakes working better but not perfect. Thanks for this video.

[@simocampo344]

Super vid! I'd bet London to a brick, that most folks have had this problem at some point. Love the channel - keep em coming!

[@1900e]

I sure did but just kept riding it. And in 3 short years the sound stopped :)

[@jeffwolfe5666]

From personal experience, keep a dedicated piece of sandpaper in a zip lock in your tool box. It's really easy to contaminate the sandpaper and then you will add to the problem.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good tip!

[@f.b.i.5580]

It says this was made 2 days ago but video was only 9 hours old?!

[@Sandriell]

@@f.b.i.5580 I'd guess Patreon members get early access while it is unlisted.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Correct!

[@f.b.i.5580]

@@sydfixesbikes lol I forgot about that🤦‍♂️

[@paulcombes3782]

Great explanation . My rotors are 1.92mm thick and "scream like a banshee" . Going to whip them off , clean them up and give them a decent "reface" , thanks again from Sydney Australia .

[@solocyclist3993]

Great video, i tried this on my ultegra pads and discs and great stopping power and burnt them great. I cleaned them with acetone Thanks.

[@erikjaverbrink6965]

Thank you very much for the explanatory video!

[@BrianVaughn]

I'm pretty sure that bookshelf behind Syd is the reason my bike shop doesn't have a 12 speed Shimano derailleur or rear brake. Holy spares, Batman!

[@francmeister420]

It’s crazy dude!! Shimano rep told me we MIGHT see low end rear mechs by June/July 🥴

[@OjStudios]

Same here. We've been getting a tiny shipments of stuff here and there. Now making a preorder for the next year. Been a crazy year for bike industry!

[@francmeister420]

@@OjStudios yes people think it’s be a banner year but you can’t have a banner year with no bikes to sell.. us wrenches have been worked to death though!! 🤣

[@OjStudios]

@@francmeister420 I totally understand. Same thing. People dug out all kinds of bikes from their cellars and who knows where. Trying to put those together, fix'em and sell new bikes that are months late or don't come at all.. Sigh.. Then people complain like it's our fault that we have to wait for some effin' special bolt for your "oh so special" bike. I can't even begin to count how many DIY things I've done during the year because of no part deliveries.

[@danw2084]

May I suggest using Scotch-Brite pads for (sanding) your rotors. It will produce a nice dull finish without the deep scratches that sandpaper does. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but will give a better result. Sandpaper in the pads is ok as long as it is in the 120 grit range. The goal is to only remove the “glazing “ on the pads. Again no deep scratches as the pads are thin already. This comes from doing it on several car brake rotors which of course have more material to work with, so even more care needs to be taken on bike parts. Oh yea and by the way your videos are amazing. I am a newbie to Mountain Biking and bike repair. Other videos are good but you show the real picture for home mechanics and aspiring home mechanics. Keep up the great content.

[@thomashardbattle4287]

My brother polished my brakes with ptfe spray. I couldn't stop lol. I used a belt sander with a 60 grit belt and it took it off way easyer

[@braedenmurray3598]

To much metal removal.

[@mr2_mike]

Never use 60 grit with a belt sander.

[@Parabler]

I've never told the family or coroner but I put bearing grease on my brothers discs after an argument once

[@stefanschuchardt5734]

Dont tell us either

[@Wyatt1314.]

​@Parabler you are joking right

[@stephenbrown5844]

Cheers guys for the info. Review. Brilliant 😉🤘

[@Silv3rDragon]

Just got a new bike and was wondering why it wasnt breaking as well as my old one. Now I know i need to bed in my breaks. Thanks for the videos. edit: changed "burn" to "bed" in case someone doesnt read replys

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yup! And just so you don't start saying it wrong like we have been for YEARS, technically it's called "bedding in brakes", not "burning them in". It's Macky's fault for saying it wrong for years and in the video 🤣

[@alvaromelo]

I love the 1 minute summaries!

[@pimmi955]

uhh this was clean tutorial, learned so much... subbed!

[@360degreesofyou7]

Amazing, thank you so much, just fix my brake pads! Keep good work. New subs!

[@insanebmxthomas]

Great video just have 2 remarks; if you sand the pads, you're better off putting the sanding paper on a flat surface and running the pads over top of it. Also, being a bike shop i'd double check if its ok to spray brake cleaner into the padless calipers; looks like there's plastic pistons that could be affected by brake cleaner. Usually, gaskets like nitrile rubber o-rings don't like solvents as it turns gummy, and some plastics may crack.

[@murrijuana2842]

Brake fluid isn't water.

[@cwd08]

This was so helpful thank you

[@oneooneeagle]

When sanding the pads I place the sandpaper on a flat surface and slide the pad over it to ensure a flat surface and it's way easier. I also have put the sandpaper between the pad and rotors and turned the wheel to act as a rotor lathe. Using the caliper and pad to give a uniform application of sanding pressure on the rotor. It's a bit of a challenge to get the paper in with new pads but thin paper helps. Do one side at a time helps too.

[@rodrigoalvarez6042]

Muy interesantes sus videos, pues bien explicados y tambén resumidos Felicitaciones desde Colombia.

[@brandonricondo6737]

Recently I've been taking the pads and burning off the contamination with a blow torch. The out come works great and no squealing either 😎

[@christopherblomeley5210]

My volunteer team love your channel...

[@KenCharuk]

Isopropyl then acetone didn't stop the squeal but the blow torch did! Sanded the crust off then all good. Thanks for the confidence building video

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great stuff Syd 😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌🚴

[@shopvice]

Leave the rotors on, pull the pads from the caliper, and insert folded sandpaper (emery cloth is best) where the pads would go. Spin the wheel and re-surface the rotor that way. You can pull the lever gently to apply more pressure if needed.

[@mountainbikingwithcory750]

Great info. Thank you for sharing.

[@vdubjunkie]

Good tips. I'll add one. Lay down a larger sheet of sandpaper on a very flat surface, like thick glass, or a small surface plate. Rub your part across it, keeping the flatness of your part in order.

[@catg9196]

What about fold the sand paper over the top. Sand both sides at the same time without touching the rotor 👍

[@Cheezsoup]

I tend to rub the pads against each other (rather than sand one at a time) that way you don't need sandpaper and it takes half the time.

[@Airconcleaner]

Thnks for sharing, From Philippines

[@MrLmao37]

Great video.

[@LH_carper06s]

Highly recommended

[@kjv247]

great vid buddy! Aloha from Hawaii

[@razmtb5028]

Nice thanks for the video

[@dcallan1]

Well done!

[@wsx2000]

Brake dust is very hazardous to breathe or get on your skin, clothing, work area, etc. I like your vids. Please stay safe!

[@patrickparisienne1917]

You shouldn’t be breathing it in! Rubbing the pads ( which don’t have asbestos, so non carcinogenic) in sandpaper shouldn’t create airborne dust. Just drop some water on the paper first if you are worried...

[@markyu1996]

THANK YOU!

[@siriosstar4789]

im kind of longing for the simplicity of the good old days when squealing rim brakes we're all that was available and stopping was questionable . changing brakes pads was done with a small open end wrench taking only a minute or two . Now it's micro adjustments on the calipers, messy fluids , modulating the levers etc. 😎

[@beerenmusli8220]

I would love to see a video about the chemical process behind bedding in the brakes!

[@danielkaz6280]

Great vids :D

[@leequinsee1727]

Thanks a million, you rock!

[@davinlg1]

Great video - just wish I'd known about bedding in last set of pads I got, but now I know! Also have learned you need to do a similar thing with automotive brakes. Careful with that automotive brake cleaner on your varnished workbench - it's sure to be bad for the finish!

[@rollinrat4850]

Isopropyl alcohol is probably safer for cleaning bike parts. Automotive brake cleaner is fine but it's certainly harsher and you might breathe some from those spray cans which is never ideal!

[@cam.cooks.preeeemium]

Thanks! Followed the video, and my brakes feel so snappy now! Great tip on not wiping freshly cleaned pads- that was my old problem. Used 91% IPA instead of brake cleaner.

[@jasonsierchio1167]

You guys are an adorable couple... relationship goals right here.

[@stevecrump1375]

All those parts in the background are gold now nobody can get parts. .. $$$$$

[@joshuapowell4609]

Nice tip, with an old hub attach the rotor to it and than work on it. A hub without the spokes and rim is a great handle!

[@mungomunro8579]

Nice one; that helped me. Easy'!

[@dnlsgbn]

"Widget" = Cotter Pin. Awesome content!

[@lisapotter2019]

Thanks!

[@christopherblomeley5210]

Superb...

[@joshuazorn5652]

Thank you

[@CactusJackSlade]

My Tips: Put the sandpaper on a flat surface and run the pads over it so you keep the pads flat, it will also remove and ridges that may have formed. Also all my sanding is perpendicular to the rotation direction. I have found it works better than sanding the same direction as the rotor motion.

[@strayedcat1966]

Pads against the fine sandpaper on a flat surface, rub them evenly very lightly in figure 8 pattern, just enough to remove the glaze.

[@Eurobunneh]

Yay, adverts for cars before the video. Well done ‘tube.

[@Myke_Juliet]

I like using medium drywall sanding screen with a figure 8 motion for the pads

[@EverythingMTB1]

Haha. I needed this one