Brake pads?

Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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I'm pretty car-tarded, and I have a question about a consistent squeak my pickup has. It squeaks pretty constantly while I drive, but as soon as I apply any pressure to the brakes at all it stops completely. My brakes seem to function fine, and they don't feel any different, and the only time I've ever heard that type of squeak it has always been a belt problem. Thoughts?
 
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kornphlake

Golden Member
Dec 30, 2003
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Squeaks can be caused by a couple problems, one is an indication that the pads need to be replaced. If you don't normally do any wrenching it's probably best to take the car to a brake shop and have them look it over.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
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You need new brake pads. They are worn down to the "squealers" as I call them. There is a metal tab attached to the pads that contacts the rotor when the pad wears down too far. It makes a squealing noise as you drive that goes away when you brake.
 

Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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Thanks guys, I'll swing by a shop or something and have them looked at. Are brake pads one of those things where you replace all four at once? Also, what's a rough estimate for price? Thanks again :)
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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You need new brake pads. They are worn down to the "squealers" as I call them. There is a metal tab attached to the pads that contacts the rotor when the pad wears down too far. It makes a squealing noise as you drive that goes away when you brake.

Most of the "squeelers" I've heard make the noise while braking, not while moving, but you're right that he needs to at least check how much pad thickness is left.

Usually when there is a noise like the OP describes, one of the pads is slightly sticking and just barely dragging an edge on the rotor. When the driver pushes the brake pedal, the pistons clamp down and force the pad into full and proper contact, so the squeaking stops. Usually this happens when the pads start to get thin and can move around in their channels a bit more than usual.

ZV
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
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Re:boomerang - Not necessarily. You are correct, worn pads make a LOUD and noticeable screeching noise. It's kind of like an IDIOT light on the dashboard, you'd have to be an idiot to ignore the loud metallic screeching noise. A "squeaking" I would think might be something different, as the noise you described is rather distinctive.

OP - when was the last time brakes were done on your vehicle? Who did them and what did they do? What year/make/model of your car?

Two things to do:

1) Go to a mechanic you trust, demonstrate the noise, and see what they say. They should be able to easily pop your wheel off and inspect your brake pads. Don't do this with a random shop, as you will likely end up with a "oh yeah you need pads, rotors, axles and blinker fluid" diagnosis

2) Grab your owner's manual. It will tell you where to find the brake fluid reservoir. Look at the reservoir and you will see markings indicating the proper fluid level. If the fluid level is below the proper marking, that could be due to your pads being worn. If you have less thickness on your pads, then the brake caliper pistons are extended further and reduce the amount of fluid in the reservoir (don't worry if you don't understand that).
A low fluid level could also be due to a fluid leak, but that is unlikely. Unless you see clear slippery fluid leaking from around your wheels or the brake reservoir under the hood, I would suggest not adding more fluid until you have your car looked at.
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
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Thanks guys, I'll swing by a shop or something and have them looked at. Are brake pads one of those things where you replace all four at once? Also, what's a rough estimate for price? Thanks again :)
Depends on when the vehicle was serviced last and what was done. Front brakes generally wear faster than rear brakes. With a brand new set of brakes at all four corners, you will generally replace the front components once, then the next time you will replace all four.

Prices vary quite a lot based on your car and the labor rates in your area.
 

Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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I haven't been to a mechanic in this town yet unfortunately.

My vehicle is a 2001 GMC Sonoma that I got in... Fall of 2003. As far as I know my brakes have never been checked, but I could be wrong.
 
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Lotheron

Platinum Member
Oct 21, 2002
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I haven't been to a mechanic in this town yet unfortunately.

My vehicle is a 2001 GMC Sonoma that I got in... Fall of 2003. As far as I know my breaks have never been checked, but I could be wrong.

How many miles?

With there being 6.5 years with the same pads, new brakes is a very good place to start.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
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Every GM car I've ever owned had tabs on the brake pads that functioned by design, exactly the way I stated. They would chirp when the car was moving and the brake was not applied and the sound would go away upon brake application.

If the pads are installed correctly, with the tab on the leading edge of the brake pad, they will function as I described. If the pads are replacement pads, and the installer swapped the pads side for side, they may or may not make noise. They have to be on the leading edge of the pad to function the way they were designed to.

The noise makes the driver aware of their brakes. The point is to make the driver aware of the pads requiring replacement before the rotors are ruined.

http://rpmautodover.com/disc-brake7.jpg
 
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Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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Thanks guys. I got confirmation last night that it was the pads, and that I haven't replaced them ever. So now I have to find a mechanic...
 

Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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I took my pickup to Midas this morning. They quoted me $140 to replace all of the pads + labor. About ten minutes ago they called me and said they got everything inspected, and in addition to the pads I need the front rotors replaces, the brake fluid flushed, and the rear wheel bearings re-aligned or something. New quote? A little over $600. -_-
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
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I took my pickup to Midas this morning. They quoted me $140 to replace all of the pads + labor. About ten minutes ago they called me and said they got everything inspected, and in addition to the pads I need the front rotors replaces, the brake fluid flushed, and the rear wheel bearings re-aligned or something. New quote? A little over $600. -_-

eh? :confused:
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
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I would tell them to replace the pads and front rotors. Do not bother with the fluid flush (at this time) and don't have the work done on the rears, unless you are sure it needs what they say. But new front rotors are probably needed.
 

ajskydiver

Golden Member
Jan 7, 2000
1,147
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Do you own a house/garage to do your own work?

I just changed all my brake fluid & pads and it was much easier than I thought it would be.
 

Beev

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2006
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My stepdad who is a mechanic by trade (for semis) is going to come up on Sunday and help me fix everything up. He thought they were insane for wanting to charge as much as they quoted me :p.