Adjusting rim brake toe-in

Brakes can be noisy and squeak if the distance to the rim hasn't been set correctly.

All parts of the brake and cables must be clean. The brake pads must not be worn.

This procedure explains the importance of toe-in when positioning brake pads. A brake pad has a toe (the front) and a heel (the back).

Note: This solution is effective for traditional rim brakes but not for V-brakes.

Look at the brake pads and see how they are aligned with the wheel rim. Most people assume that the distance between the rim and the front and the back of the pad must be the same. However, this is not the case.
Align the brake pad with some toe-in. Toe-in means that the front of the pad must be slightly closer to the rim. As the wheel moves forward, the brake pad will contact the rim gradually, and this eliminates the squeaky noise.

Always check that the brake pad is not touching the tire (too high) or under the rim (too low).

Parent topic: Squeaky Bikes