Brake Squeal

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Had a new set of front and rear pads put in recently. For the last week I am getting a squeal after a few brake applications, not when breaking hard but just when I am gradually slowing down.

Took it back to the mechanic who couldn't hear a thing when he test drove it, but I think he was hitting the brakes too hard.

Anyone else had this problem?

cheers

Jim

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Brake Squeal

Did they get bedded in correctly? sounds like a slight case of glazing??

Mick

[mkh Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mkh]

Re: Brake Squeal

So called "Squeal" can actually be caused by the pad vibrating against the piston and the caliper under light application. When the pads are replaced its quite common to put an anti squeal adhesive to the back of the pad. This essentially sticks it to the piston and stops it vibrating.

But as MickL said it can also be due to glazing of the discs. Did they get machined when the pads were replaced?

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Re: Brake Squeal

Thanks for the feedback. Not sure if they were machined. I will mention the points you made when I see the mechanic tomorrow.

cheers

Jim

[pradogang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradogang]

Re: Brake Squeal

The brake guy tried everything but could not get rid of the squeal so he put on a new set of front pads foc. So far all is quiet.

Jim

[Offroader Member Find all posts View Profile Close Offroader]

Re: Brake Squeal

I've experienced this very problem myself. Whilst it can be caused by a variety of conditions it usually comes down to imperfections in the surface of the disc itself. Scoring, pitting, run-out and glazing all contribute to this condition. You will notice that it usually happens when the rotors are cold and as you say under light braking. I'm personally not a big fan of machining discs because you are removing material from the surface which alters the integrity of the disc as well as its ability to dissipate heat effectively. I have done it before to save some $'s but IMHO you are better upgrading them to a slotted rotor which are not so susceptible to these issues and installing some high quality pads. For now, hopefully you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Re: Brake Squeal

A number of pad manufactures including Bendix are supplying pads with an abrasive compound on the pad to assist in pad break in. I suspect this compound is there to remove any glazing and minor grooves on the rotor surface. If you don't want to machine your rotors, install these types of pads might be a solution.