Pad chatter

[griffter]

I assume that's what it is, and what it's called.

I'm new to disc brakes on a bicycle. Just bought a Marin Hawkhill - very pleased with it. But when I ride, even on the road, there is a constant sort of pinging noise from the front disc brake. It sounds like something touching the spokes as the wheel turns, but it's definitely the brake. I assume the pads are dragging on the disc. If it touch on the brake lever (without really applying the brakes) it stops. As far as I can see all the bits are there (two pads, a retaining pin and a spring plate thing presumably to bias the pads away from the disc). The disc is secure and runs true.

The brake works fine - positive and immediate.

Any idea how I can stop the noise please?

Thanks.

[Eddie Strohacker]

You might have a slightly warped disc. You can buy a tool for tuning a brake disc but any pair of grips will do the same thing. The trick is to rotate the wheel until you can isolate where the contact is then adjust the disc as necessary. Had this a few times on mine & one of them is doing it again.

[griffter]

Thanks for the reply.

Fixed it.

The calliper mounts on slotted holes and wasn't centred on the disc. The "serrated" profile of the disc was rubbing one side of the calliper causing the pinging noise. Adjusted. Sorted.