Squeaking disc brakes

[Speed addicted]

I have my first bike with discs, it's a Revoloution Triad Zero with Avid Elixr 5s.
The brakes make quite a bit of noise, more in the current damp weather.
Is this normal? They were really quiet when I got the bike.
How can I shut them up? It's quite annoying

[Rob81]

Normal as far as I know. Mine are noisy when damp.

[Mars]

My Avid Elixirs squeal. My Tektro Dracos are silent.

My Tektro levers rattle. My Avids don't.

Each stops each bike as effectively.

[anonymous-user]

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/Lubrica...

[Speed addicted]

Blasted them with brake cleaner just now, lots of gunk came off but they're still noisy.
Is a dab of grease on the back of the pads worth a try?

[Gizmo!]

Mine squawk a bit when damp but dry quick enough.

[Jimbo.]

They're Avids, therefore will be noisy. Every pair I've ever know has squealed/howled horribly. You can help by making sure all the fittings, adaptors, Tri-Align bolts etc. are utterly spotless when assembled, with everything torqued up properly. Ditto the brake disc bolts, the wheel/QR itself.

[Buffalo]

same brakes, same squeal.

[Mars]

It's a poor indicator of these brakes if people accept they're noisy. It must be so common with them. Clearly it's not all brands/models either. I wonder why Avid isn't attending to this "feature"?

Has anyone managed to resolve the squealing?

[Jimbo.]

Mars said:

It's a poor indicator of these brakes if people accept they're noisy. It must be so common with them. Clearly it's not all brands/models either. I wonder why Avid isn't attending to this "feature"?

Has anyone managed to resolve the squealing?

They're Avids. They're st. Powerful, but noisy and unreliable with it (sticky pistons!).

Easily fixed by switching to Shimano.

[Speed addicted]

Right, today I took out the pads and gave everything a clean. Then I lightly sanded the surface of the pads and smeared a small amount of coppaslip onto the backs (works on motorbikes).
And the difference?

fk all.

How much do these magic Shimano calipers cost and can i just change them without changing the rest of the system?
It may be a while before I change anyhting but I'll be keeping it in mind!

[Beyond Rational]

You can get Shimano Deore M596 levers and calipers, front and rear, for £80 new, without rotors.

You might also get £80 for the Avids on ebay.

[Mars]

When you buy/sell brakes, should the discs go with them? And the (what are they?)... the "stand-offs" that they're attached to the bike with?

I really don't like my Avids - they're no better than the Tektros but far noisier. I think I'll chop them in for some Hopes instead.

[Beyond Rational]

All depends on the compatibility of the specific brakes with the existing rotors and spacers.

[Mars]

So probably best to sell my rotors with the rest of the Avid rubbish and buy a complete set of something new then?