How to Stop E-Bike Brakes Squeaking

In plain English

Some noise in the wet is normal. A constant squeal usually means contamination (oil, lube or cleaner overspray on the rotor or pads), glazed pads, or new pads that haven't been bedded in. A rubbing or misaligned caliper adds noise too.

Watch how it's done

Video by Park Tool. It may show a regular bike: on an e-bike, switch off and remove the battery first, and unplug the motor cable before taking off a hub-motor wheel.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Clean the rotorFree Wipe both sides of each rotor with brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth. Never spray chain lube or degreaser near the brakes.
2. 2Bed in the padsFree On a safe, quiet road, ride at moderate speed and brake firmly to walking pace (not a full stop), 10 to 20 times. This lays down an even layer of pad material and often stops the squeal.
3. 3Check the caliper lines upEasy If the rotor rubs or the caliper looks crooked, see our disc brake rubbing guide to re-center it.
4. 4Replace contaminated padsModerate If the squeal comes back after cleaning, the pads have probably soaked up oil. Replace them and clean the rotor again.
5. 5Have the brakes servicedShop job A shop can bleed hydraulic brakes, replace hoses and cables, and check everything is safe. Don't ride until the brakes work properly.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Disc brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol

  Removes oil and dirt from brake rotors without leaving residue.

  Link coming soon

• Brake pads

  Must match your brake model exactly (the model name is printed on the brake caliper).

  Link coming soon