Author Topic: brake mechanics help (Read 752 times)

-sudz- · « **on:** November 09, 2005, 09:11:09 AM »

I've got this problem with my brakes that's driving me up the wall - under certain temperatures and only when the dewpoint is low my brakes squeal like banshees. They scream only the first few times I use them then they are OK. It doesn't sound when light pressure is applied, only moderate to hard.

I've had them inspected and the mechanic said everything with them is fine. I believe that since I'm a stickler for maintenance but he had no suggestions to stop the squealing.

I realize it probably has to do with the cold metal of the brakes condensing dew out of the air onto the discs. There's not much I can do about that. But are there any tricks or tips out there that can help me take care or minimize the screaming?

Thanks,
- sudz

PS When the car was new it never did this - don't know why it started in the car's later years.

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2005, 09:24:00 AM »

Maybe the rotors wore funny.
-SW

tce2506 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2005, 09:36:43 AM »

Did it start after a recent brake pad change?-- get better pads
Did you/they use anti squeel on the backs of the pads when they were installed? Did you/they clean all the rust off of the calipers? Check the rotors and pads for uneven wear. Lots of causes for noisy brakes, most are easy to fix. good luck

airbumba · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2005, 09:55:53 AM »

Isn't there that metal low pad warning piece? Maybe u need pads? Or that metal warning strip is bent outta place.

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2005, 10:08:29 AM »

It has happened that certain brand pads produce noise on certain cars. There might be minor differences in the size etc.

Ask your mechanic to slab some anti-squeal paste (to the backside of the pad doh..) and reinstall the pads.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2005, 11:48:47 AM »

go back to Original pads.. some of the aftermarket pads have higher metal content that can cause the squeal your getting.

dmf · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2005, 04:02:12 PM »

My mechanic said to never use metalic pads, he recomends semi-metalic pads and anti-squeal on the backings of them, and he hasn't been wrong since I've been going to him.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2005, 04:20:35 PM »

The new ceramic pads are the best, but they are expensive. No noise, no brake dust. The best characteristics from metal pads combined with the quietness of the composite pads.

They last must longer than composite pads. Did I say they were expensive? Also, not available for every car yet.

If you are getting the squeal when pressing hard, it is not the early warning sensor of the pad. They only make the squealing (think banshee) noise when the brakes are lightly pressed, and then they grind on hard pressure.
How long has it been since the last brake job? Have you had to ever use the brakes for sustained periods downhill, at high speeds (>30mph)? Some composite pads can crystallize (best word I can come up with at the moment), and they start making noise whenever they are lightly used.

Torque · « **Reply #8 on:** November 09, 2005, 04:32:22 PM »

your rotors are shined , just have them turned.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 09, 2005, 04:47:36 PM »

You mean hot spots Torque? Could happen if you ride the brakes a lot. Typically they chatter though when they get like that.

Bodhi · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2005, 05:59:09 PM »

sudz,

Is the area of Texas you live in dusty? If it is, you probably have the same issue that I have with mine in Colorado. Every morning when I head out, the brakes squeal the first 3 or 4 uses. Drove me nuts, until I figured out it was just dust settling on the rotors and the linings just scrape it of, hence the squeaking going away.

Does not happen on high humidity days at all... then go figure, the dust is that bad on those days.

Just a part of life here on the front range of the rockies.

If it really bothers you a lot, get the ceramic pads that the Skuzzman talks about. I have never heard them squeal, not once, but, I can deal witha little squealing after I saw the price!!!

Good luck with it.

crowMAW · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2005, 07:08:00 PM »

What kind of car? BMWs are notorious for this behavior...especially with aftermarket pads.

I agree with Roscoroo...if you are not using the OEM pads, switch back. Many aftermarket pads squeal.

Flit · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2005, 09:07:39 PM »

Maybe a light coat of rust on the rotors?
I noticed after it rains my brakes make some noise till I "scrape them off" a bit. especially if it sits for a day or 2.
After the first couple of uses the noise goes away.

RTR · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2005, 12:44:25 PM »

Turn the volume on your radio up.
This fixes most annoying sounds your car makes.

RTR

Pyro · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2005, 02:16:44 PM »

I had some silicone spray in my truck so I went outside and sprayed down your rotors. That should take care of the squeak.