Brake Bedding. I am going to strangle something..
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Brake Bedding. I am going to strangle something..
95 LT1, with the HD brakes. I replaced rotors and pads on the front of the car.... oh about 2 months ago. I really haven't driven the car much, bed the brakes right after I did it - and the damn brakes in the front squeak when pedal is applied lightly.
So I decided, OK I will pull the wheels, and took some 220 grit and sanded in a non-directional coarse on the rotors. Then wiped down with rubbing alcohol. So tonight I took the car out nice and late, and decided to re-bed. Went thru it all, and the damn things STILL squeal! I mean horribly too, as I slowly pulled in the garage, they were really loud. This is just damn embarassing! To be driving a vette and pull up to a light with squeaky brakes, is just not a option!
I am out of ideas. Should I just change the pads again? They are the Napa Delco Ceramics. Cost a decent amount! Any ideas?
So I decided, OK I will pull the wheels, and took some 220 grit and sanded in a non-directional coarse on the rotors. Then wiped down with rubbing alcohol. So tonight I took the car out nice and late, and decided to re-bed. Went thru it all, and the damn things STILL squeal! I mean horribly too, as I slowly pulled in the garage, they were really loud. This is just damn embarassing! To be driving a vette and pull up to a light with squeaky brakes, is just not a option!
I am out of ideas. Should I just change the pads again? They are the Napa Delco Ceramics. Cost a decent amount! Any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
Ceramic pads, although better performance can be a little loud somtimes. I am not sure if semi-metalics are an option for the HD brake system. If not check out the pads that they offer on tirerack.com. I know Hawk makes an awesome set of pads and have heard tons of great things about Akebono. Both offer a cermaic pad with no noise. Take the NAPA pads back and complain.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Are you installing the pads dry?
I've used this with great results on both my cars. In fact, it's worked on every car I've used it. Apply a coat to the back of the pads.
Most people don't realize that noise is caused by vibration at the caliper/brake pad interface as well. This product dampens it.
I've used this with great results on both my cars. In fact, it's worked on every car I've used it. Apply a coat to the back of the pads.
Most people don't realize that noise is caused by vibration at the caliper/brake pad interface as well. This product dampens it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
I don't think it's a dampening problem. Just think, if I am rolling at a couple miles an hour pulling into the garage, there really shouldn't be any vibration. You know? Or I could be wrong. Just pisses me off... I will see if I can find the receipt for the Napa pads. I don't know what they will do, as it's been a couple months (even though I have probably driven about 100 miles with them)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Yeah that's what I thought too when my all new brakes continued to squeak no matter what I did. Chitty brand pads will give you noise problems also.
I suggest you give that lube a shot. Then report back. You can buy little packets of it if you don't want the whole bottle.
I suggest you give that lube a shot. Then report back. You can buy little packets of it if you don't want the whole bottle.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg, NY
The sound/squeal is caused by friction and can be increased by heat and lack of moisture. One of two alternatives were mentioned that works; Disc Brake Caliper Lube. The other is rubber backing for the calipers.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I don't think it's a dampening problem. Just think, if I am rolling at a couple miles an hour pulling into the garage, there really shouldn't be any vibration. You know? Or I could be wrong. Just pisses me off... I will see if I can find the receipt for the Napa pads. I don't know what they will do, as it's been a couple months (even though I have probably driven about 100 miles with them)
Napas here also, their "good' performance friction gold, or whateer they call them.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
squeal
usually squeal can be associated with two factors. high frequency vibration and silica contamination.
the vibration is associated with a number of things,
1. bedding the pads on rotors that weren't turned, or turned correctly, 2. worn caliper pad contact areas,
3. improper bedding procedures,
4. moisture contaminated brake fluid
5. bent wear indicator
6. sticky piston in the caliper.
7. worn caliper bores or worn piston
8. internally contaminated or dirty calipers
9. worn caliper seals on the pistons
any of these can cause it, and if there's two or more of these contributing, it is possible to never make the noise go away.
If there was a dirty dusty atmosphere when the pads were manufactured or bedded on a dirt road, the silica (dirt) can affect the pad for it's life due to the rotor being imbedded with the silica.
the vibration is associated with a number of things,
1. bedding the pads on rotors that weren't turned, or turned correctly, 2. worn caliper pad contact areas,
3. improper bedding procedures,
4. moisture contaminated brake fluid
5. bent wear indicator
6. sticky piston in the caliper.
7. worn caliper bores or worn piston
8. internally contaminated or dirty calipers
9. worn caliper seals on the pistons
any of these can cause it, and if there's two or more of these contributing, it is possible to never make the noise go away.
If there was a dirty dusty atmosphere when the pads were manufactured or bedded on a dirt road, the silica (dirt) can affect the pad for it's life due to the rotor being imbedded with the silica.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
A friend of mine used to be a Brake Tech for a major automobile company. The squeak, according to him, is caused by the pads vibrating - not rubbing. You need to apply Anti-Squeak Brake Lube/Grease to the back of the pads.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
OK. I pulled them again (while changing my oil). I bought some of that stuff and lathed it on the backs of the pads. Put everything together and went for a ride. All was good until the end (about 5 miles into it) I think they warmed up and started to squeal again.
I swear now it's the pads. I looked at my rotors which are new, and there doesn't seem to be any irregular wear or anything.
I swear now it's the pads. I looked at my rotors which are new, and there doesn't seem to be any irregular wear or anything.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
squeal
I had same problem.Squeal when hot.Embarrasing in a Corvette !Satisfied Pro pads,96 HD brakes installed by dealer with turned rotors.Took it back to dealer sad it was the pads.Contacted Satisfied they said bed in problem.Took car out and angrily stopped car 10 times 30-5 then 60-5.Third 60-5 a huge cloud of smoke came out of brakes and no more squeal!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
Are you installing the pads dry?
I've used this with great results on both my cars. In fact, it's worked on every car I've used it. Apply a coat to the back of the pads.
Most people don't realize that noise is caused by vibration at the caliper/brake pad interface as well. This product dampens it.
I've used this with great results on both my cars. In fact, it's worked on every car I've used it. Apply a coat to the back of the pads.
Most people don't realize that noise is caused by vibration at the caliper/brake pad interface as well. This product dampens it.
The stuff you want to apply to the backing plate of brake pads is called disc brake quiet. It's usually either blue or red and sold in a tube. It goes on wet, then dries almost like blue RTV. It prevents the metal on metal vibration that causes brake squeal. You might also want to try cleaning the pad surface and rotors with something like CRC Brake Clean.
