Okay, I'm getting really PO'd because my bike ('07 Wee-Strom) is SQUEAKING like a baby pig being slaughtered.  Okay, not THAT bad, but it's enough to drive me freaking crazy.

I **think** it's the brake pads (both front and rear)...but sometimes I swear it's the rear wheel (because using the brakes won't stop the squeaking). I partly pulled the rear axle thinking it might be bone dry---but it's got grease! So I don't think the axle is the problem. Can bearings (or other wheel-related parts and bits) cause squeaking? I did commute on the bike all winter---through rain, snow, salt, slush, grit, etc...so it's entirely possible something might be less-than-happy.

I also just got new front brake pads installed a couple weeks ago---so clearly the issue might be...the wrong brake pads! I think the shop installed EBC pads. The shop manager said "Oh just about everyone's gone to metallic pads now"---as if to suggest that squeaking is inevitable and unavoidable. (I call BS on that.)

Is there ANY way to stop a new set of brake pads from squeaking? (Is there such a thing as "Anti-Brake-Squeak Spray?")

Any other ideas or suggestions are appreciated. I really don't think a squeaking bike is a happy bike.

BTW, the squeaking is a bit regular and a bit random. Meaning, once I get past 20mph, either the squeaking stops---or I don't notice it any more due to wind noise. Sometimes applying brakes will stop it...and sometimes it won't stop it (that's the random part).

Thanks!
Scott

So did the squeeking start after the new pads were installed?  If so, they are probably the culprit.  Pads can vibrate agains the brake caliper piston, causing a squeeking sound.  There is actually a grease you can get at any autoparts store that is spread on the back of the pad to help reduce the squeeking.  I have never found it to be a permanent solution though. 

It also could be coming from your bearings.  You have a 7 year old machine that has ridden through all sorts of crud for a butt load of miles.  Remove your wheels and turn the inner race of the bearings with your finger.  If they aren't buttery smooth, they need replacing. 

Also, just as an FYI, nothing should be spinning on the axle per se.  The bearing inner race should be stationary on the axle and the bearing outer race should spin with the wheel.  So I would think it would be very unlikely that a squeek would actually becoming from the axle. 

Do you still have the old pads? If yes, stick'm back in for a test ride to see if the squeak persists.