How do I know I have this issue?
New bikes: You will hear a grinding/squealing noise on the brakes in your first few rides. This will often happen on new bikes with hydraulic disk brakes, which will always need their brakes "bedding in" to remove this noise.
Older bikes: Your brake pads are rubbing against the disk, creating a squeaking or grinding friction noise and/or resistance while the wheel spins.
What causes this issue?
New bikes: New bikes with hydraulic disc brakes always need brakes "bedded in". This process will transfer material from the brake pads onto the brake rotors to ensure that you have proper stopping power
For older bikes; While braking, vibrations get transferred along the brake disc, which vibrates at an audible frequency and can create noise. This vibration can be linked to multiple reasons:
Most common: impurities on the brake disc and/or pads (e.g. water or dirt). Disc brakes are typically louder when the road is wet, and will become quieter as they dry out.
Less common:
A bent brake disc can vibrate differently and make noise.
The material of the brake pad and the brake disc has an effect. Generally speaking, softer brake pads (e.g. resin pads, a.k.a. "green" pads) are quieter but wear out quicker, while harder brake pads tend to be louder but last longer.
Is this issue covered by warranty?
How to fix?
For new bikes that need brakes bedding in, this issue is expected and solved by the rider - see instructions below.
For older bikes, this issue is not specific to Cowboy bikes, so it's quickest to visit your local bike shop who will be able to fix this in a few minutes. You do not need specific Cowboy parts for this, any bike shop will have them in stock.
Local Bike shop: We recommend visiting your local favourite bike shop to easily and quickly fix this issue. Just ask them to check your brake calipers, pads and discs and show them the instructions below.
Cowboy Certified Bike Shop: If you are near a Cowboy Certified Bike Shop, you can also drop in there. Check our map here
Cowboy Care: Subscribers can have this issue fixed by a Cowboy technician - find information here
Self repair: If you are handy, you can check the videos below and try it out yourself.
What tools are needed?
5mm or 6mm Allen Key | Remove the front axle | Provided in Cowboy Toolbox |
18 mm wrench | Remove the rear wheel nuts | Example (not provided in Cowboy tools box) |
Torx 25 | Remove the brake disc bolts | Example (not provided in the Cowboy tools box) |
Adjustable spanner | Straighten the brake disc | Example (not provided in the Cowboy tools box) |
What spare parts are needed?
If you need brake pads, you can purchase here
Repair Instructions
If your bike is new: New brakes need to be "bedded-in". During this process, the brake pad material is distributed evenly over the brake discs and the noise disappears. Here is a video which explains more and shows how to do this correctly.
Step 1: Check the brake discs for dirt: Noise from dirt often happens to bikes with hydraulic disk brakes. To solve this, simply clean the disks with a cloth, dry or with some alcohol - be careful, NO SOAP. 😅
Step 2: Check if if the issue is caused by a bent brake disc. Flip the bike over and spin the wheel, and check if the brake disc is 'wobbling'. If yes;
Step 3: If the issue is caused by a misaligned caliper or brake pad