Squeeeky Brakes

[cali-explorer]

Ive got a 98 XL 4x4 and Ive had a reoccuring problem with my front brakes squekin. I most recently had my front brakes checked with an alignment and I have over 70% pad left. I do notice a build up of brake dust on the front wheels, which I do clean but the squek stays is this something that I can fix, the sound is driving me crazy! thanks

 

[nascar_intimid]

on mettalic pads "squeeking" is normal to a degree...and yes it is annoying. If you want to get rid of it then next time you do your brakes get the soft pads. You will change your pads more often but there will be no squeek and the rotors will last forever(well-almost)

 

[Mike02]

Have you had the rotors resurfaced?

 

[cali-explorer]

The rotors were resurfaced about 30K miles ago

 

[Bronco638]

Squeaks are caused by minute vibrations. There are several braking systems where the squeak is inherent in the system (Volvo comes to mind). As mentioned, changing to a 'softer' pad will usually solve the problem but you will experience more dust on your wheels (corrosive, to some extent) and accelerated pad wear. Other solutions involve using a 'name brand' pad (Raybestos, Wagner, etc.) as opposed to some generic parts store brand. Another idea is the use of squeak reducing/eliminating shims that go between the pad and the caliper piston. If you're doing the work yourself, it's kind of a crap shoot. If you're dealing with a shop, tell them to find something that works (at their expense).

 

[LC1500MB]

My '98 did the same thing...had about 2/3 pads left when we bought it about 8 wks ago...about the second week I couldn't stand hearing them frt brakes squeal..took it back to the dealer where we bought it and told them.."they still squeal"..and they ended up turning down the rotors just a bit...cleared the squeal right up..there was a small lip around the outer edge of the rotor surface..they cut that off..and they haven't squealed since.

 

[hunterdan]

I've had good luck with that anti squeak spray that you spray on the back of the pads. Going to a softer/cheaper pad isnt the best way to get rid of the squeak, a proper brake job is. That includes sanding the rotors a little to get rid of any fine wear marks, cleaning the rotors with brake clean, getting the best pads you can afford, using the shims on the back and using the anti squeak spray, lubing all of the slides etc, then properly break the pads in. I did a pad and rotor replacement once, the noise was horrible, even with the cheapest pads I could find from autozone, went to advance, picked up a can of CRC brake quiet, and sprayed it on the back of the pads. Never heard another sound from the brakes again as long as I owned that truck. On my dads F-150, I used the Bendix brakes up front and sprayed them with the brake quiet and they never made a sound. The squeaking is from the minor imperfections between the pad and the rotor. The spray helps to absorb the vibrations before they can become an annoying noise.

Dan

 

[BlingNGasoline]

i had the same problem with my 98, i put new rotors on, and it hasnt made a noise since.

I also noticed that after driving at the shore the squeal went away, untill i got home. Maby the salt air?