why are my brakes squeaky?

[otispunkmeyer]

unless i put a decent amount of pressure on the brake...ie making me stop pretty harshly, my brakes squeak and screech under normal/light breaking

its just been in for a service/MOT so i presume they are perfectly fine and road legal. but the squeak annoys me.

any idea?

 

[Hammerhead]

They squeek because you need new brake pads. The squeek is a built in indicator.

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
They squeek because you need new brake pads. The squeek is a built in indicator.

Most likely but not always true. My 240sx brake pads always squeek for some reason. I've had them changed about 4 times but the shop still never gets them right.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
They squeek because you need new brake pads. The squeek is a built in indicator.

Most often Brake pads squeal because of vibrations. They sell a glue-like substance that you put on the pad clips to stop it.

 

[deadlyapp]

Could be that the shop did not put shims on, didnt put anti squeal agent, didnt install properly, they are not seated completely, or a number of other things.

 

[batmang]

well, normally, its an indicator to change your brake pads.

 

[jtvang125]

Either check them or have them checked. If they are still good, the springs, clips and shims may just need to be cleaned and lubricated.

 

[mitmot]

I am actually experiencing the same exact thing. I had my rotors/pads replaced and they STILL squeak. It is driving me nuts.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Could be that the shop did not put shims on, didnt put anti squeal agent, didnt install properly, they are not seated completely, or a number of other things.

compounds of materials

 

[desy]

If the rotors look okay and there is sufficient pad left, then it could simply be the noise semi-metallic pads make. Different pad manufactures have different sounds. You may wind up going through several different types before you find one that you like. You see, they use different materials and make the pads to different hardness. That is basically what causes the squealing. In addition, they tune the vibration frequencies (or at least try to) to that outside of our range. But, as the rotor wears down, this frequency level also changes.

 

[LS20]

1) shims need regreasing and reseating
2) your pads could VERY well be worn out

either way, youre gonna have to take the wheel off to check

 

[otispunkmeyer]

cheers for the input guys....ill try get some of the lads in the motor club here at uni to have a look at them. i dont think theyre worn out yet....like i said its passed its MOT just the other week so they obviously think they are fine. been out in it tonight and the breaks bite nicely, but when jus pottering around i dont need to be pressing firmly on the pedal.....only seems to squeak with light breaking, so i guess vibrations are the cause.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

also how can you tell a car has ABS without the manual?

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Hey there-

If it isn't your pads (many have a built in "sensor" which is really just a little thing that makes it squeak when they need to be replaced) its probably do to harmonic vibrations. All that means (pretty obviously) is that there are vibrations occuring due to the wear on the rotors that create sound. The rotors develop "rings" of wear that, when the pads run across them, they squeak. The anti squeak spray stuff is not good, but it is easy. Many times it means you need new rotors or your rotors turned, but more often than not, they just need to be refinished.

Edit: check this out http://www.flex-hone.com/Index.cfm/Fuse.../Products/Flex-hone%20for%20rotors.htm

Thats what you need (and what your mechanic should have used)

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
Hey there-

If it isn't your pads (many have a built in "sensor" which is really just a little thing that makes it squeak when they need to be replaced) its probably do to harmonic vibrations. All that means (pretty obviously) is that there are vibrations occuring due to the wear on the rotors that create sound. The rotors develop "rings" of wear that, when the pads run across them, they squeak. The anti squeak spray stuff is not good, but it is easy. Many times it means you need new rotors or your rotors turned, but more often than not, they just need to be refinished.

Edit: check this out http://www.flex-hone.com/Index.cfm/Fuse.../Products/Flex-hone%20for%20rotors.htm

Thats what you need (and what your mechanic should have used)

cheers for the link!

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
also how can you tell a car has ABS without the manual?

Does an ABS light come on the dash when you turn the key on (along with all your other warning lights)?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: CFster

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer
also how can you tell a car has ABS without the manual?

Does an ABS light come on the dash when you turn the key on (along with all your other warning lights)?

Find a gravel road and slam on them. If you hear a ticking sound and the brake pedal is vibrating along with the noise you have abs. The light thing is true too but my suggestion is soooo much more fun

 

[TomKazansky]

Originally posted by: zoiks

Originally posted by: Hammerhead
They squeek because you need new brake pads. The squeek is a built in indicator.

Most likely but not always true. My 240sx brake pads always squeek for some reason. I've had them changed about 4 times but the shop still never gets them right.

time to get 5lug z32 brakes.