Screeching wheel

[Andy in Germany]

So,I've just changed to a new front wheel on my Xtracycle/Hybrid bike, using the same blocks on my V-Brakes as before. Suddenly the wheel is making a loud screeching noise.

I'm familiar with this on older wheels or brakes but not on a new one. Is there any solution to this?

My son suggested spraying WD40 on the rims, bless him...

 

[ayceejay]

Change the brake blocks would be the first step surely, if you are saying the screech happens when you brake.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Try toeing in your pads, old ones or new ones if you already got them.
Instructions here.

 

[cyberknight]

Has the rim got muck or oil on it?

 

[chriswoody]

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Clean the rims. Use a fine water paper or steel wool or abrasive green kitchen scourer. The water paper gives the best results. Do the job wet and beware of the black gunk that will come off. The gunk in itself is not the problem - it is aluminium removed from the rim, but other invisible contaminants will be removed. Work aggressively and don't pussyfoot with the scouring. I won't fiddle with the blocks at first since the only difference is the wheel.

 

[RoubaixCube]

maybe its screech from saved by the bell who decided to hitch a ride on your back?