UPDATED: Tires still squeak after replacing them. What should I do?

[PushHands]

Initially my friend's brake squeaked and was a sign to replace them.

She got her brake pads, which were cyramic and we were told that they are better and last longer. She got a friend of a friend to put the new pads on, who also took her rotors(?) to Pep Boys to be smoothed out (at least I think that's what they call the process).

But now her brakes still squeak, even more so before. Most noticable when she first starts to drive but seems to die out after awhile on the road. Do you guys have any idea what's wrong? Did the person who put the pads in didn't align them correctly? Ideas on how to eliminate the squeaking?

Thanks guys for your suggestions.

UPDATE: 2 Questions from my below post:

Q: She just had the brake job done a month ago and I'll take her car in to a certified technician but I'm curious how much time I have before the rotors absolutely need changing? I'm concern with her safety of course and time is an issue.

Q: I followed the A.S.E. Certified Automotive Technician link in your signature and did find someone local. Are there certain things I should look and ask for in order to develop a trusting relationship with the shop? I don't mind paying a little more for quality service, but in an honest fashion.

 

[Desslok]

Did you use any grease on the pins? I believe there are springs that come with the pads to help stop them from squeaking.

 

[JC]

Some brake pads come with shims that go behind the pads, to help absorb the vibrations which are heard as 'squeaking'. Alternatively, there are sticky sprays or liquids that can be applied to the back of the pads (the metal part ). Another trick (sometimes the pads come this way) is to taper the pad surface at the ends, eliminating the perpendicular edge contact that can cause brake pad noise.

I'd check with the brake shop and see if they used any of these anti-squeak ideas.


JC

 

[Evadman]

I have hand tapered pads before on some of the cheapo ones that do not come tapered. Just spray on an anti squealing agent. the squeak may go away forever, or may come back in a week. *shrugs* Since asbestos was removed from the pads, they squeak. At least that is what I have been told many times since this change was before I got into automotive

<edit>
tapered pads But that is a large taper. usually it is under 1/2".

 

[Bigred75]

i know you can get buildups of dust on the brakes that can cause the brakes to squeek ....she might want to try blowing the brake disks with an air hose to help disslodge this dust ...also putting the car in reverse and giving it some gas then applying a steady break can also help get rid of this dust....


Good luck
Bigred75

 

[Brutuskend]

I'm still trying to figure out why it says "tires" in the thread title.....

I was all set to say the front end probably needs an alignment and then I see you talking about squeaky brake pads.

 

[mdbound]

The squeaking comes from brake dust that is caught between the rotor and the brake pad. Depending on the compound, you can have a lot of squeaking or no squeaking. Hard compounds such as ceramic or ceramic/metallic brake pads last a long time as you noted. So, when the dust (i.e. broken particles off of the pad) get between the rotor and the pad, they stick around for a LONG time. Softer compounds get worn down faster and the squeaking goes away. However, softer compounds do generate much more brake dust, so that's a concern if you care about the look of your rims. Also, i'm not really addressing any of the performance issues here, but I don't think that your friend's really into performance.

Hope this helps.

MD.

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
I'm still trying to figure out why it says "tires" in the thread title.....

I was all set to say the front end probably needs an alignment and then I see you talking about squeaky brake pads.

 

First off, never have someone replace brake pads unless they are qualified to do so, second, ceramic brake pads are not meant for street use. third, if using ceramic brake pads, you must replace the rotors, resurfacing them is not an acceptable practice.

Your brakes are squeaking because the pads are too hard for the application, for street use, organic or semi metallic pads are recommended with the use of either a anti squeal shim or anti squeal coatings on the back of the pads.

Here is what I recommend you do ;

Purchase new rotors
Purchase either organic or semi metallic pads
Have a qualified technician replace said parts

Ceramic pads have their place in the automotive community, namely racing, the reason they should not be used on the street are three fold.

(1)Yes they have low wear rates, but it's a big trade off, the rotors will wear out at an accelerated rate.
(2)Ceramic pads are extremely hard causing the pad to vibrate at high frequencies (squealing)
(3)Ceramic pads have low friction qualities until they are warmed up to operating temperature, this means reduced braking efficiency when first applied. (poor cold braking performance)

Organic pads have the highest wear rates but work extremely well when cold, they do not hold up to excessive heat as well as semi metallic or ceramic pads.
Semi metallic is your best choice, they work well when cold and have a pretty good heat resistance rating, in either case, you must use some form of anti squeal coating or shim.

 

[Thegonagle]

I mostly agree with Roger.

Try different pads. OEM pads are usually the quietest. They generally include brand new high quality anti-squeal shims, and sometimes, a tube of lubricant for the caliper pins (adaquate lubrication of the correct type is very important) for no extra charge. They're unfortunately ususally (but not always!) the most expensive option, but worth it, IMO.

 

[PushHands]

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. I had a few follow up questions:

Q: She just had the brake job done a month ago and I'll take her car in to a certified technician but I'm curious how much time I have before the rotors absolutely need changing? I'm concern with her safety of course and time is an issue.

Q: I followed the A.S.E. Certified Automotive Technician link in your signature and did find someone local. Are there certain things I should look and ask for in order to develop a trusting relationship with the shop? I don't mind paying a little more for quality service, but in an honest fashion.