I’m struggling with front brake rub that only happens when riding. On the stand, I can get the rotor perfectly centered with zero rub, and it’s not bent.
Here’s what I’ve tried:
- New brake pads and new rotor (both from Shimano Ultegra set)
- Cleaned and reset pistons, oiled them
- Fully bled the brakes
- Used multiple centering methods, including the Hayes tool
- Experimented with overtightening and undertightening the thru axle (installed off the stand)
Despite all this, as soon as I ride and use the front brake, the rubbing noise comes back. I’m out of ideas — what could cause rotor rub to appear only mid-ride?
Rotor Rub Never on Stand, But Returns When Riding
byu/playaz3 inbikewrench
by playaz3
4 Comments
Strange, in the video it looks fine. Are you sure its the disc you hear rubbing? Did you check your wheel for lateral play?
Sometimes the pads move around in the little metal spring retainer thingy (I have no idea how you call it but you’ll understand what I mean). You can try to either bend them a little bit with a screwdriver see if that solves things.
Speaking of pads: you did break them in properly right? If you havent chances are they’re wearing off unevenly. This also could cause rubbing
Another option: you say you bled the breaks. Did you push back the pistons when you did that? This is crucial to prevent disc rub. Im assuming you used a bleeding block?
Could be so many things! Hope this helps a little to get you in the good direction. GL!
Seems like the frame is flexing just enough to cause rubbing. If you havent check rotor bolts/CL
your wheel is flexing laterally
Do you have any play in your hub?