Squeaky brakes

[ChristoT]

Hi all,

My front brakes have started squeaking. The front pads still had plenty of meat last time I checked, and both discs are in good nick. It's only just started on the front (rear has been squeaky for a while now). Any ideas? It's particularly bad on a slow gradual brake, generally while assisting engine braking.

I've been riding the bike at home, so the entire bike (pretty much) has been pretty well coated in mud - needs a clean. Any thoughts on why the brakes are squeaky, and how to cure it?

Thanks!

[Chris]

Give the brakes a good clean with brake cleaner. Remove the pads and smear a very light coating of copper slip on the back of the backing plate (between the backing plate and where the pistons press on it). Let us know how you get on. 
 
Chris

[ChristoT]

Give the brakes a good clean with brake cleaner. Remove the pads and smear a very light coating of copper slip on the back of the backing plate (between the backing plate and where the pistons press on the it). Let us know how you get on. 
 
Chris

Any recommendations for brake cleaner?

[darrsi]

As long as it's labelled brake cleaner it'll be okay.
Proper brake cleaner cleans and degreases well but leaves no residue which can add to problems.

[Chris]

As darrsi says, most are good, the aerosol ones work well, get them on demon tweeks or in halfords etc. A lot of people give their brakes a good scrub with warm water and a toothbrush and maybe some car shampoo (Not fairy liquid as it has salt in it that can make your brakes sieze up if it isn't all washed off!) then use the brake cleaner for the final clean. The reason for doing this is that the brake cleaner can be expensive so it goes further if you get the main dirt off first.
 
then smear on the copper slip and replace the pads 
 
Chris