The modern disc brakes used on bikes today have dramatically improved performance and safety. In conjunction with those improvements, disc brakes have also freed rim makers to push the envelope regarding design since that do not have to incorporate rim brake surface anymore. With the abandonment of the rim brake design, mechanics have lost the ability to adjust the angle in which the brake pad hit the braking surface, referred to as ’toe’. Adjusting the toe was how the mechanics were able to quiet rim brakes that would squeal – this is not an option with disc brakes.
So what is a mechanic to do if they have properly installed disc brakes and they still squeal?
SwissStop has an answer. Developed for use in the railroad industry, the SwissStop Disc Brake Silencer is a metallic-based release agent with a biologically degradable carrier fluid that is very sparely applied to disc brake pads to stop the squeal. It is not an oil, but a liquid that dries. What is left behind is an agent that reduces brake dust and polishes the braking surface to minimize brake chatter – the chatter is what can cause the squealing problem.
Along with reducing brake squeal, SwissStop claims that their Disc Brake Silencer also dissipates heat better than none treated brakes, prevents non-uniform wear, and eliminates vibration – all while not impairing brake power. The Disc Brake Silencer is compatible with all disc brake systems on the market and brake pad types, including both organic and metallic. SwissStop states that one half-second application per pad will last well over 1000 miles. This should mean many happier miles for you and your friends! Video after the jump