A squeak, squeal or scraping noise from inside a wheel hub with a drum brake. A light squeak is often dust or glazed linings. A grinding or scraping sound usually means the lining has worn through to the metal shoe, a lining has come loose, or there is grit or a broken spring inside the drum. A noise with the brake off may be a dragging shoe or a wheel bearing.
Is it safe to ride?
Ride with care to a place to work on it if it only squeaks and still brakes well. If it grinds or scrapes, or braking is weaker, do not ride.
Quick checks first
- Does the noise happen only when braking, or all the time?
- Look at the wear indicator pointer with the brake on.
- Spin the wheel on the stand: does it rub at one point?
- Has the bike been through mud or sand?
- A grooved or glazed drum can be sanded smooth. Turning it on a lathe is better but costs more. Do not breathe the dust.
- Grease the cam shaft and pivot post lightly when the shoes are out.
Diagnose it step by step
1Is there noise with the brake fully released?
- Yes: go to step 2.
- No, only when braking: go to step 4.
2Back off the brake adjuster several turns. Does the noise stop?
- Yes: the brake was set too tight or the cam does not return. Adjust a drum brake; if the arm is slow to return, Lubricate control cables and check the cam during Service a drum brake.
- No: go to step 3.
3Does the wheel feel rough or move sideways on the axle?
- Yes: the noise is a wheel bearing. Check wheel bearings and Rumbling or grinding from a wheel.
- No: open the drum: a broken spring or loose lining may be touching. Service a drum brake.
4Is the wear pointer past the end of its mark?
- Yes: shoes worn to the metal. Do not ride. Service a drum brake with new shoes, and check the drum for deep scoring.
- No: go to step 5.
5Is the noise a high squeak rather than a grind?
- Yes: open the drum, remove the dust with a damp cloth (never blow it), de-glaze shoes and drum lightly with fine abrasive paper. Service a drum brake.
- No, it scrapes: a lining is loose or cracked, or grit is inside. Open the drum and replace damaged shoes.
6After service, does a squeak remain?
- Check the backing plate is not bent and the torque arm is tight. Fit shoes from a different brand listed for your bike.
Never put oil or grease on the outside of a squeaking hub to quieten it: it can find its way to the linings.
Causes, most likely first
| Cause | How to confirm | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dust inside drum | Squeak; dusty when opened | Clean with damp cloth |
| Glazed shoes or drum | Shiny surfaces | De-glaze or replace shoes |
| Shoes worn to metal | Pointer past mark; grinding | New shoes; check drum |
| Over-adjusted or sticking cam | Noise with brake off; stops when backed off | Adjust a drum brake |
| Broken spring or loose lining | Scraping; seen when opened | Service a drum brake |
| Wheel bearing | Rough or loose wheel | Check wheel bearings |