How to Fix Squeaky Bike Tires
Squeaky bicycle tires drive the typical bicyclist a little nuts, as the noise becomes more and more unpleasant as the miles roll along. Unusual noises often indicate that it’s time to catch up with deferred maintenance, as a well-maintained bicycle moves with only a quiet hum coming from the tires. You can solve most squeaky noises coming from your bicycle’s tires by lubricating nearby metal and rubber parts that are likely the actual source of the squeak.
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Instructions
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Lubricate the chain. Apply drip or spray lubricant if the rollers look dry. Wipe off the excess with a rag to minimize dirty buildup.
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2
Lubricate the pulleys on the rear derailleur. Lay your bike on its side and apply drops of oil between the pulleys and sideplates. Let the oil soak in and then wipe off excess.
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3
Adjust your brake pads so that the front of the pad "toes in" or touches the rim before the rear of the pad. Slip a piece of cardboard behind the rear of the pad and the rim as you tighten the bolt holding the brake pad to the brake arm with an adjustable wrench.
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Clean the bike wheel rims with a solvent such as lighter fluid to remove residue that may create squeaks if toeing in the brake pads doesn’t work. Scuff the rims with a medium emery cloth to break up any rubber deposits on the rim.
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Lubricate where the brake arms connect to each other and to the frame.
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Drip oil into the opening of the brake and derailleur cables.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain a quiet chain by lubing it every two weeks.
Lubricate each part in order until the squeak goes away.
Have a bike mechanic grease and replace the bearings on the wheel axles every year.
Check the front reflector on your bike to make sure the brake or gear cable-housing isn’t rubbing on the wheel when you turn.
Isolate noises by substituting a different wheel to see if the noise goes away.
Don’t lubricate self-lubing or Teflon cables.
References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
