Customer yesterday told me his brakes just needed 'a little squeeze'

Guy rolls in with pads worn down to the metal, rotors scored to hell. Says he's been riding like that for 2 months because the squealing 'went away'. Had a conversation with him about how that sound disappearing is actually way worse. Made me realize I need to explain warning signs better instead of just fixing and sending people out. Any of you experienced riders who ignored a sound and regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy1311d ago

Huh, I actually see it a little different. Sometimes that squeal coming back means you caught it early, but yeah, once it goes silent you're already deep in the damage. I've had pads wear down so smooth the metal backing just glides on the rotor, no noise at all until you really lean on the brakes. By then your rotors are toast and you're looking at a full replacement job. That "quiet" is just the calm before the expensive storm.

reed.elliot1d ago

That squeal going away is the worst thing. It means the wear indicators are gone. Now you got metal on metal grinding everything down smooth. Had a buddy ignore a grinding noise from his front wheel for a week. Turned out a rock jammed between the rotor and caliper. By the time he stopped, the rotor was warped and the caliper piston was seized. Cost him way more than if he just pulled over and looked.