Squealing Brake Pads
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Squealing Brake Pads
HELP NEEDED! Ever since I rebuilt both rear calipers a couple of years back, the RT rear brake has had an annoying squeal. The rebuild was necessary because the RT rear caliper piston seals failed during a hard stop (that was fun). Apply the brakes, and it goes away. Release them, and more often than not, it's back. I've used the double sided adhesive pads to correct the problem, no luck. Had the rotors turned, no change. Both swing arm wheel bearing sets were shot (so bad the inside of the car sounded like a kettle drum when rolling), as well as the bushings (basically, they were MIA), so replaced all that just a couple of weeks back (cripes the labor was expensive), same aggravating squeal still present. Other past maintenance on the rear suspension; replaced the liners on the rear spring, new shocks, and poly bushings on the strut rods (the originals also MIA). Rear suspension is wonderful now. But, the ^%&*)*^$#%^ brake squeal is still there. Embarrasing to say the least, as you cruise through the 'hood'. Is it possible the piston springs inside the caliper are at fault? I've bleed the brakes with a vacumm pump until I'm blue in the face. Any other suggestions ?????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (charlie78)
I've had the same problem since my brake job. I bought the brake package from Zip and I'm not sure that they ever confirmed that the kit included organic pads or not :confused: I thought it did.
Anyway, I understand that this is a pretty common problem and is likely caused by the pads moving around in the calipers. There is a shim/pad? kit that I think attaches to the back of the pads to keep them from squeaking. I think it runs around $15, but I haven't tried it yet. I will once the warmer weather gets here and I roll the windows down and hear the squeaking again :rolleyes:
Anyway, I understand that this is a pretty common problem and is likely caused by the pads moving around in the calipers. There is a shim/pad? kit that I think attaches to the back of the pads to keep them from squeaking. I think it runs around $15, but I haven't tried it yet. I will once the warmer weather gets here and I roll the windows down and hear the squeaking again :rolleyes:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (78Vette-SA)
There's been a number of posts on this but the main answer was to use organic pads and also file the edge of the pad (front and rear) at an angle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (av8vito)
Don't bother with those "anti-squeal" bits of plastic that Zip and others sell for stopping it. Bought 'em, put 'em on, brakes still squeal like pigs. I bought organic pads and one of these days I'll get off my lazy duff and put them on.
JB
'78SA
JB
'78SA
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (paul79)
I have a wonderful squeeling noise that comes and goes....Its in the right rear parking break as far as I can tell. It still holds the car so I'm hoping the noise just goes away for good.... :conehead
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (inqbus383)
Quote: "I have a wonderful squeeling noise that comes and goes....Its in the right rear parking break as far as I can tell. It still holds the car so I'm hoping the noise just goes away for good.... "
If your parking brake is holding up / not releasing, then you either have a broken or stretched return spring, or your parking brake mechanism / hardware is rusty and sticking. If the latter, you may be able to solve problem by pulling the rear rotor / drum assembly and carefully spraying some lubricant on the parking brake mechanism, and then reinstall the rotor / drum and apply and release parking brake several times.
If your parking brake is holding up / not releasing, then you either have a broken or stretched return spring, or your parking brake mechanism / hardware is rusty and sticking. If the latter, you may be able to solve problem by pulling the rear rotor / drum assembly and carefully spraying some lubricant on the parking brake mechanism, and then reinstall the rotor / drum and apply and release parking brake several times.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (john's '81 mouse)
Usually filing or sanding a chamfer on the leading edge of the pad helps to stop the squeel. Without the chamfer there is a sharp edge on the pad which "picks up" on the rotor causing the pad to move in the caliper. When the "pick up" lets go the pad jumps back & gets more "pick up" and so on. This happens at high frequency, causing the squeel. Well, that's the theory, it could be total BS, but putting a chamfer on the pads seems to work in a majority of cases. Or just change the pad material - but 1st cutting a chamfer to try & cure it doesn't cost anything!
:cheers:
:cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: Squealing Brake Pads (Rhys)
I use organic pads... File a chamfer on the leading and trailing edges with a rough wood rasp. Dab a little high temperature grease on the backing plate where they ride on the caliper pistons.... No squeak. :D