What was that noise ???

[Mike D.]

While riding yesterday my bike began to make a very loud and continuous noise. It sounded much like when there is dust on the pads or when they get wet, but much louder. However, I was not depressing the break levers. The noise became greater as I tried to ride. I removed the wheels looking to remove any debris I might find. I found nothing, but noticed my rear brake rotor was scored. Took it in to replace the rotor and they told me I was missing a pivot bolt! How does that happened ( did I neglect to do some basic maintenance) and would that offset my frame to somehow create this very loud noise?

Thanks for any insight you may be able to share.

 

[DirtymikeTDB]

A missing pivot bolt will make the rear up come up crooked, pushing the caliper sideways into the rotor. Yes, they are something you should be checking on a regular basis. I generally check mine before every ride, or after every ride.