[Z06] Brake squeal???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Tyler TX
Brake squeal???
This may be a rookie question, but... I bought my Z06 used with a little over 6K miles. The only problem I've encountered is an extremely annoying brake squeal when the pedal is depressed with light to moderate pressure. When I get on the brakes pretty firmly, there's no squeal. What is it and what do I do. I'd appreciate any info. before I make the drive to the dealership (I live in the sticks). Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
Re: Brake squeal??? (sharkbite1979)
This is normal behaviour from the factory pads. It is the result of not applying enough pressure/friction to the pad. You will also get a lot of brake dust. Many owners switch to ceramic pads to slove both of these problems...GM make ceramic factory replacements.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 59
From: Warner Robins GA
Re: Brake squeal??? (cactusZ06)
Join the club, mine do it too, ceramics are not the answer though, most people that make the switch complain that the ceramics don't stop well at all. I recommend Hawk brake pads, I've use them on my Camaro SS and I will be changing them out on my Z06 soon, very good stopping power, minimal brake dust, and no squealing.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Re: Brake squeal??? (Blkout)
My '04 coupe started doing it at 800 mi. My dealer is telling me that GM does not have ceramic pads for 2004s. I think they are full of it. I sent them several pages of technical material on aftermarket pads and that material does not seem to diferentiate between 2004s and older model years. I may end up just getting some aftermarket pads and bypassing the dealer alltogether. It's not worth the time to educate them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 67
From: USA
Re: Brake squeal??? (sharkbite1979)
Brakes always squeal you just can't always hear them. Use the brakes harder and the squeal will go away for a while. Changing pads means the car won't stop as fast. Life is full of comprises, then you die!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Alexander IL
Re: Brake squeal??? (sharkbite1979)
Mine does it too (4200 miles on it). Dealer didn't give me much satisfaction either. Just a little embarrassing to pull up to a stop light in a hot car and have the brakes squeal!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Re: Brake squeal??? (50yrzo6)
I guess there are some trade offs to be made for owning what was THE fastest stopping car in the world (in 2001/02 as I recall.) The squeel and dust are the trade offs, if you really want to expirience squeel, try my old LT-1 with it's HPS Hawk pads, they sure do work well! at the autocrosses so, I accept the noise and dust! Please don't complain to GM, the Z06 was made to go fast, if you want quiet brakes go to your Cadillac dealer and trade in your Z06 for an XLR, that is what you really should have bought in the first place!
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Alexander IL
Re: Brake squeal??? (Solid LT1)
LOL, sorry, didn't mean to sound like I was complaining, just making an observation and off the cuff remark. Will gladly put up with brake squeal as I LOVE this car!!
[Modified by 50yrzo6, 4:28 PM 6/25/2004]
[Modified by 50yrzo6, 4:30 PM 6/25/2004]
[Modified by 50yrzo6, 4:28 PM 6/25/2004]
[Modified by 50yrzo6, 4:30 PM 6/25/2004]
