Shimano 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace & GRX Brake Issues: Noise, Rubbing & Fixes
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Shimano’s 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace (road groupsets), and GRX (gravel groupset) hydraulic disc brakes are among the best on the market. However, riders often report common issues like brake noise, rotor rubbing, and inconsistent lever feel.
Common Shimano Brake Issues & Fixes
1️⃣ Brake Noise & Squealing
Brake noise is a common complaint, especially in wet conditions. Shimano resin pads absorb moisture, leading to high-pitched squealing.
Common Causes:
- Contaminated pads or rotors (oil, grease, or road grime)
- Improper bed-in of new pads
- Glazed pads from overheating
Fixes:
- Clean rotors and pads with Gorilla Brakes Disc Brake Cleaner
- Re-bed pads by performing 10-15 hard stops
- Lightly sand glazed pads or replace them with Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro Pads
- Switch to sintered metallic pads for better heat tolerance
2️⃣ Rotor Rubbing & Pad Drag
Shimano’s tight pad-to-rotor clearance means even slight misalignment can cause rubbing.
Common Causes:
- Caliper misalignment
- Bent rotors
- Lazy piston (one piston retracts slower)
Fixes:
- Re-center the caliper: Loosen bolts, squeeze the brake lever, and tighten bolts while holding the lever
- True the rotor using a Gorilla Brakes Rotor Truing Tool
- Clean sticky pistons with isopropyl alcohol and lubricate with Shimano mineral oil
3️⃣ Spongy Brake Feel & Bite Point Issues
If your brake lever feels soft or inconsistent, air bubbles in the hydraulic system could be the cause.
Common Causes:
- Air bubbles trapped in hydraulic lines
- Old or contaminated brake fluid
- Heat buildup on long descents
Fixes:
- Perform a full bleed using a Gorilla Brakes Bleed Kit
- Upgrade to finned pads and Ice-Tech rotors for better cooling
- Use a larger rotor (160mm instead of 140mm) for better heat management
Shimano Brake Comparison Table
| Model | Pad Clearance | Weight | Brake Feel | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 (R7070) | Tight | Heavier | Firm | Budget road setup |
| Ultegra (R8070) | Medium | Lighter | Smooth & strong | Performance road |
| Dura-Ace (R9170) | Wider | Lightest | Best modulation | Pro riders |
| GRX RX810 | Medium | Gravel-tuned | Grippy | Gravel & adventure |
Shimano Brake Maintenance Tips
- Clean brake rotors regularly with Gorilla Brakes Disc Brake Cleaner
- Bleed your brakes annually
- Check pad wear frequently and upgrade to sintered pads for wet/muddy conditions
- Apply anti-seize grease to pad retaining bolts
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Final Thoughts
Shimano disc brakes are high-quality, but proper maintenance ensures optimal performance. By aligning your calipers, bleeding your brakes, and upgrading to better brake pads, you can enjoy smooth, quiet, and powerful braking.
Need help? Contact Gorilla Brakes Customer Support for expert advice!