Why Do My Car's Brakes Squeal When I Slow Down, Even With New Pads?
Have you ever noticed your car's brakes making high-pitched squealing noises when you're slowing down, even after getting new brake pads? This can be quite alarming and might leave you wondering what's going wrong. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons behind brake squealing and how to address the issue effectively.
The Cause: Hard Brake Pads or Pre-smooth Process
One of the primary reasons for brake squealing, especially after installing new pads, is that the pads may be too hard or not yet properly smoothed out. Years ago, the author of this article had an Opal GT, and non-factory brake pads would consistently produce a high-pitched squeal until they were fully broken in. Soft pads can lead to a significant amount of wear over 10,000 miles, and the author became adept at changing them regularly.
Initial Grinding and Vibration
New brake pads should not emit squealing sounds but rather a subtle grinding noise as the pads are first installed on your car. This is due to the roughness of the pads when first applied. The first few brake applications will smooth out the pads, eliminating this grinding noise and reducing the potential for squealing. If you hear any squeaking or grinding after this initial period, proceed with caution.
Caution: Safe Working Conditions
Never work on a car without jack stands. It is incredibly important to ensure the car is supported safely at all times. Squeaking or grinding noises sometimes indicate missing shims. These are thin pieces of material that fit between the brake caliper piston and brake pads, ensuring a smooth fit and reducing noise. If the shims are missing, it can contribute to the vibrations and squealing sounds.
Moisture: A Common Culprit
Much like the shims, moisture on the rotors can be a significant issue. When the rotors are moist, they can start to corrode, and these particles can get stuck in the contact points between the pads and rotors, causing a screeching noise. This problem typically resolves itself after a few abrupt stops, but if the noise persists, it might indicate a more significant problem.
Pad Retention Issues
If the squealing or grinding continues, it could be due to missing clips that retain the pads or an unsecured design of the pads themselves. Cheaply made pads that do not fit tightly can lead to vibrations during braking, causing the squeaking noise. It's crucial to have a professional mechanic check the installation to ensure no issues.
Brake Grease and Moving Parts
In some cases, squealing noises can result from the failure to apply brake grease on the hardware backing of the pads or any moving metal parts within the brake assembly. These parts, when vibrating against each other, can generate a squeaking or screeching noise when braking. Having a mechanic inspect and properly lubricate these components can resolve the issue.
Conclusion
While new brake pads should not squeal, there are several common causes for this noise, including hard pads, moisture, missing parts, and improper installation. Ensuring your car is securely supported with jack stands, addressing any missing shims or clips, and having a professional check for proper lubrication can help resolve brake squealing issues and ensure your car's braking system functions optimally.