Squealing caliper brakes

[Chris S]

Does anybody know why caliper brakes might squeal? I know cantilever brakes need some 'toe-in' but does the same also apply to calipers?

Also does the squeal impede braking performance? I rather like going around corners Sweeney style.

 

[accountantpete]

It's usually muck on the rim/pad - a quick clean with a used scouring pad and a wipe with a cloth will do the trick.

You should be able to toe-in your caliper brakes if they are the cartridge pad types- pop a wedge of some sort either side and then tighten up.

 

[Chris S]

It's usually muck on the rim/pad

I think you were probably right - the squeal cured itself after I cycled through a downpour yesterday.