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19 June 2024 Why are Your Brakes Squeaking? Causes and Solutions for New Pads
If you’ve got squeaky brakes, it could be due to installing new car brake pads as they need time to complete the “bedding‐in” process. During the first few journeys, you may also experience excessive vibrations as the pads come into contact with the discs. Thankfully, it shouldn’t take too long for these symptoms to disappear.
What Do Squeaky Brakes Mean?
There are a few possible causes of squeaky brakes. In new cars, the squeaking sound may indicate that the pads haven’t been broken in yet. It can also be caused by a buildup of moisture along the ceramic or metallic pad linings, resulting in rust.
Other common causes include heavy vehicle loads, freezing temperatures and wet conditions, and foreign objects. Sometimes small stones, sand, and grit can get lodged in the brakes, generating a noise as the brake pads and calipers push the objects away. It’s also possible that the pads have glazed over.
How Long Do New Brakes Squeak?
Depending on how you drive, the squeaking can last up to around 100 to 300 miles. This is how long it takes the brake pads to shed the top layer of lining material to create more friction with the disc surface. It is normal to hear some noise while the parts adapt.
Why Are My Brakes Squealing?
Apart from the obvious case where new brakes have been installed, the squeaky brakes on your car could be caused by many factors, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, contaminants, or glazing. Moreover, over time, the pad linings will be worn down, exposing the metal wear indicator or caliper. As the metal scrapes against the brake disc, it generates a high-pitched squealing sound.
The replacement interval for the pads is usually between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on the make and model, as well as the driving conditions. In addition, you should periodically check the parts for signs of corrosion or a smooth, glazed surface. Glazing can occur as a result of repeated hard braking due to excessive friction and heat.
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Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slowly
In some cases, the squeaking is a normal result of driving at low speeds. The usual explanation is that when you brake at a low speed, the high-frequency vibrations from the pads contacting the discs are more audible. The noise might be worse if the parts are covered in dirt or moisture.
Why Are My Brakes Squeaking After Being Replaced?
The brakes often squeak after new brake pads and discs have been installed because the friction material hasn’t been broken in. In other words, it takes a while for it to grip onto the disc without creating a high-pitched sound. This should go away after a couple of months or so, depending on how regularly you drive. See a mechanic if you are concerned about your car’s braking performance.
Brakes Squeaking After New Pads
When you start applying the brakes after installing fresh pads, you will most likely hear some squeaking for a short while. This is because the surfaces of the components need to be “bedded-in”. This process involves the top layer of the lining material being shed and transferred to the surface of the brake disc in order to increase the friction. In other words, this makes it easier for the pads to grip onto the surface without slipping and squealing.
How to Stop Squeaky Brakes
Depending on the cause, there are a few ways to stop the squeaking. If the brakes are dirty or contaminated, you could simply spray the components with a quality brake cleaner. In some cases, applying a lubricant to the back of the pads and the caliper pins can help minimise noise. You may also install anti-squeal shims between the pads and caliper to absorb vibrations.
If the car brake parts are squeaking because they are worn, damaged, or rusty, the safest thing to do is to replace them. If the surface of the discs is uneven or has small grooves, it may be possible to resurface the components.
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FAQ
- Why do my brakes squeak after new pads and rotors?
Similar to new leather shoes, brake pads and discs need breaking in so that the surfaces grip to each other. Once the bedding-in process is complete, the brakes should go back to normal.
- How long does it take for new brake pads to stop squeaking?
It can take up to a couple of months or 100 to 300 miles of driving. Installing anti-squeal shims may help reduce the noise.
- Do new brake pads squeak?
In most cases, yes. However, if they are still squeaking after a few months, there may be another underlying problem.
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