Have you recently replaced your brakes and found that they were making a strange screeching noise?
Don't panic, as it is pretty standard
If you scour the web for answers to ” brakes squeaking after new pads,” Then you have come to the correct place!
The Main Reasons For Cars Brakes Squeak
Some do not pay attention to the sound that has arisen; they ignore it. And, it seems, why be nervous and worried if the brake system is working correctly? However, most drivers do not want to hear an unpleasant sound when braking. Incredibly annoying when idling in a traffic jam, where you have to use the brake frequently. And they are trying with all their might to find a reason to get rid of unpleasant sounds from their ears.
1. Poor quality friction material
The cheaper the pads, the more manufacturer saves on them. If the choice is between products for 2500 or 3000 rubles, it is one thing. Another thing is when the pads cost more than 1000 rubles. It should be noted that such a product can negatively affect the ears and increase braking distances and very quickly fall into disrepair. Saving on the brakes is a terrible idea.
2. Brake Disc Compatibility
Do many people wonder why expensive brake pads squeak like cheap China? The answer is simple: the material does not match the brake disc. Unfortunately, this happens all the time. After all, if the driver has not changed the brake discs, it is unlikely that he will determine the manufacturer. The pads will work just fine, but they will make an unpleasant sound.
3. Dirt
An unpleasant sound can be caused by sand or other debris getting caught between the disc and the pad. This often happens after the rains. It is enough to wait a few days until the debris is cleared and the sound disappears on its own. Those who are very impatient can flush the system with underwater pressure.
4. Lapping process
Immediately after installation, a squeak may occur because many manufacturers make the top layer with the addition of certain impurities, which, when braking, make an unpleasant sound. After a while, the mix clears, and the sound disappears. Another reason may be that the disc is worn, causing ridges to form around the edges. The block can squeak when it comes into contact with these edges. But, over time, it is rubbed, and the sound disappears. Generally, it is enough to drive 300 to 400 km for the sound to disappear. Under such a load, the pads heat up to a critical temperature, and the excess mixture burns and rubs better against the brake disc.
5. Normal wear and tear
Many manufacturers install particular wear indicators on their products. They are metal plastic. As soon as the friction part is erased, the metal rubs against the disk, and an unpleasant sound appears. Also, when installing new pads, the wear indicators can be set incorrectly, and a similar unpleasant sound will be heard from the first pressure of the brake pedal.
6. Weather
After rain or high humidity, there is a 90% chance of squeaking. This is because getting into the friction part; moisture causes a creak. However, after pressing the brake several times, it disappears after a certain period. Also, a squeak may appear when operating the active brake system (frequent emergency braking) in the hot season. Under the influence of high temperatures, a partial deformation of the surface occurs. However, the resulting sound is insignificant and bothers a few people.
Separately, it should be noted that the nature of the sound for each of the above reasons may be different. Only a qualified specialist with work experience will find the cause of the squeak by sound. Therefore, in independent searches, it is worth reviewing and checking absolutely all of the above options.
When replacing brake pads and discs, it is essential to lubricate all brake system elements thoroughly. In particular, the clamp. Not only will this increase its durability, but it will also help eliminate unnecessary and unpleasant sounds in the future.
One of the most common reasons new brakes squeal is moisture in the rotors. When they get wet, a thin layer of rust will form on the surface. When the pads contact the rotors, these particles become embedded in them, creating a screeching sound.
Fortunately, in this short and helpful guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about car brakes squeaking.
We will first review the difference between the two main types of braking systems: drum and disc.
Then we’ll look at the most common reasons they make noise and provide some simple tips to help calm them down.
Drum vs. Disc – What’s the Difference?
Drum
This system gets its name because it is housed in a drum-shaped cast iron casing. When you press the brake pedal on a vehicle equipped with drum brakes, it sends hydraulic fluid.
In what is known as a wheel cylinder. Inside this cylinder are two pistons that, when activated, push out.
As this happens, they press against a brake shoe, a curved piece of metal with friction material attached to one side. When the shoes and the inside of the drum meet, friction is created. This slows down the rotation and, therefore, the vehicle.
Drum brakes have been chiefly eliminated on newer cars.
However, some entry-level models still use them in the rear because they are less expensive to produce. The problem with drum brakes is that they are more complicated, making them more prone to maintenance. They also create more heat, which causes them to wear out faster.
Disc
A disc brake system is similar to a drum in that pressing the brake pedal sends hydraulic fluid to a piston, causing it to press against the caliper. A caliper is a clam-shaped device that fits around part of the rotor and houses brake pads, similar to shoes.
Then there is the rotor, which is a metal disk that is attached to the wheel. As the wheel turns, so does the rotor. When the pads press against the rotor, it creates friction, slowing down the rotation. This interaction generates a lot of heat, which is why the rotors have small holes drilled into them, allowing the heat to disperse.
This system is less complicated and has fewer moving parts, making it easier to maintain but more expensive to produce. Most newer cars have a disc brake system because of the extra stopping power.
Now that you have a better understanding of the two main types of braking systems. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why they may screech.
How to stop squeaking brakes? fix squeaky car brakes
Note: Before doing any repairs, you’ll first want to determine where the squeak is coming from. To do this, roll down the windows and brake, listening for which wheel is creating the sound.
Wet brake rotors
As mentioned above, wet rotors are one of the leading causes of squealing brakes, whether they are new or old. As the moisture settles, a thin layer of rust forms, and when the disc brakes work as they should, it breaks down into tiny particles.
These particles then embed themselves in the brake pads and create a screeching sound when pressed against the rotor. Fortunately, this doesn’t last long, and after a few hard stops, it should go away. Otherwise, the problem could be more serious.
This is not something you can fix, as there is no way to avoid all puddles, and it is not feasible not to drive on rainy days.
This particular cause of squealing brakes only applies to cars equipped with a drum brake system and can occur with new or old brakes as the pistons push the shoes out against the drum. If there isn’t enough lubrication, they may let out a screeching noise as they scrape the backing plate.
Where the piston meets the shoes, you can usually tell the problem by looking for signs of scratching where bare metal is exposed. Worn or thinned brake pads
While this doesn’t apply to new brakes, it can still happen if you replace a caliper or rotor without changing the pads. Most brake pads last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
Fortunately, manufacturers design brake pads with metal indicator tabs near the base. When the pads get too worn or thin, they rub against the rotor and make a screeching sound. You should replace your pads immediately when this happens or risk reduced stopping power.
Depending on the pad’s quality, they should cost $100-$200 each at a store (including labor). If you know how to replace them yourself, expect to pay between $50 and $150 for each pad. If it doesn’t, check out the video below for detailed instructions.
Glazed brake rotors
As rotors age, they develop blemishes, and if you get new pads, they won’t match the shape of these blemishes, leading to a grinding noise. Fortunately, rotors typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. If your brakes haven’t reached this number yet, you may need to resurface them rather than replace them.
Fortunately, many quick lube shops only charge $10-15 to repair (or spin) rotors, which is much less expensive than replacement, usually around $500 or more. You can also do it yourself by removing the wheel and sanding the rotor surface with 1,500-grade sandpaper.
Brake pads with high metal content
Another reason your new brakes may squeal is if the replacement pads have a high metal content. Most brake pads contain different metals, including iron, steel, copper, and graphite. Depending on the proportions, they can squeak when rubbing against the rotor.
Options are made from organic material, such as glass, rubber, and heat-resistant resins. However, these often lack the same stopping power as metal pads.
The other option (and possibly the best ) are ceramic brake pads, which consist of a combination of copper and ceramic fibers. These are the quietest and most durable options, but they are also the most expensive. If you can’t handle the squeak, you might consider swapping out the brake pads for ones with less metal.
Don’t let the screeching get you down; instead, get rid of the sound
Replacing your brake pads may be the solution you’re looking for.
However, if not, don’t waste your money. Instead, if a shriek is driving you crazy, consider the other options first, most of which are free or only require you to spend a small amount.
