Front brake squeaking without applying brake

[Cinds]

Hi, I have just become the proud owner of a second hand scooter. The brakes were squeeking from day one, but now the front one is squeeking without me even applying the brakes (I dont use the front one unless I really have to).
The last owner gave me a can of CRC with the bike to spray on the brakes when they squeek , to me thats not a good idea, is it?
And another thing if I may ask, are airless tubes better than tubes? The bike shop told me they were, so I had the back one changed but it still feels soft.

[mattian]

Did you check how worn the brake was? am I correct in assuming its a drum brake? normally they squeek or make a scraping noise when worn right down..... and, no using crc on the brakes is not a good idea. I learnt that the hard way, after being told off by my mechanic after using it on my first bike when the brakes were squeeking...... lol.

[ellipsis]

....hi Cinds...please keep the crc away from the brakes....right away...brakes are really handy things to have....best get someone to check the brake shoes/pads if you cant do it yourself...could be some shit in them also....good luck...

[imdying]

The last owner gave me a can of CRC with the bike to spray on the brakes when they squeek , to me thats not a good idea, is it?

No, it's not. It's a petroleum based product, and will swell the type of rubber used in brakes. Mind you, the scooter might have cable only brakes, so you might be saved from that... however, it's also a lubricant, which is basically the opposite of the friction you need to stop the bike. Basically, it's the worst thing you could put near brakes.

If they squeak, they're either worn out, wearing funny, have cheap crap brakes shoes, are dirty, or a combination of the above.

It would be worth having a shop check the amount of lining left to ensure you're not damaging it. If you have the money, whilst they have it in bits, have them replace the shoes with some decent shoes, regardless of the life left in them. Make sure you take it somewhere competent that will check the anicillary parts that are often ignored. Brakes are a system, all the pieces need to hold hands and sing koombyeyah to work most effectively.

[FROSTY:Me]

Cinds 'Ill assume that this is not a pisstake profile and pisstake thread.
Could you post up the actual make/model of your scooter.
Also EXACTLY what CRC product are you refering to?
CRC do a range of products but are mostly asssociated with oils/lubricants.
However if its a product called CRC Brakeclean then its a product safe to use on your brakes.

The fix is pretty easy but it helps to know if its disk or drum front brakes

[F5 Dave]

. . . Basically, it's the worst thing you could put near brakes.
. . .

No. . that would be your genitals, but good call otherwise.