Squeeking Brakes
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Squeeking Brakes
My 2008 vette (4lt convertable) has been serviced 4 times for squeaking brakes. In all incidents, am told that per GM bulletin this is "normal for high performance rotors / brakes" is someone out there having same problem?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh PA
All high performance brakes will make some noise when they're used lightly...like in daily traffic situations...it has to do with the pad compounds...what's happening is your brakes have some dust/brakepad crud between the pad and the rotor; not to worry, as it's normal...if you brake harder, they won't squeal, but that's not easy to do on the street (my former Porsches had the same thing happen)...the noise comes from the pads vibrating; there are some compounds you can apply to the back of the pads, but that's just a band-aid...
You either have to learn how to brake harder, or replace the pads with a softer compound; if you only drive on the street, this might be the way to go for you...I used to use Performance Friction 97 compound pads (for track use) on my last P-car, and you have no idea how much noise they'd make on the street...
You either have to learn how to brake harder, or replace the pads with a softer compound; if you only drive on the street, this might be the way to go for you...I used to use Performance Friction 97 compound pads (for track use) on my last P-car, and you have no idea how much noise they'd make on the street...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
If you do NOT plan on tracking (Road Racing) get GM Ceramic pads.. I did and now I get NO dust, or squeal EVER!! However it is highly recommended NOT to use these pads if you race or track the car (they cant take the heat)
However I do "Drag Race" and in that type of racing the pads never get hot... as I am starting from a standing start, and after crossing the finish line I have over 1/2 mile to slow down.. & when I drive on the street I really don't push it hard.. yea I go fast, & if I have to I'm not afraid to use my breaks hard, but NOT consistently!!
I like the way they perform so well I bought a 2nd set from Gene Cully (Forum Vendor) price was $106 + shipping for a set of 4...
However I do "Drag Race" and in that type of racing the pads never get hot... as I am starting from a standing start, and after crossing the finish line I have over 1/2 mile to slow down.. & when I drive on the street I really don't push it hard.. yea I go fast, & if I have to I'm not afraid to use my breaks hard, but NOT consistently!!
I like the way they perform so well I bought a 2nd set from Gene Cully (Forum Vendor) price was $106 + shipping for a set of 4...
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield NJ
Here's how I do it: Find a quiet road and do eight near-stops from 60mph to about 10mph, without allowing the brakes to cool between stops. In other words, get back up to 60mph and hit the brakes again as soon as possible. After the 8th braking event, cruise around for a few minutes to allow the brakes to cool BEFORE coming to a complete stop.
This should cure your squeaking problem.
Dave Zeckhausen
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 11
From: Powell TN
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I put Z51 brakes on my car, but I used the base brake pads that came on it. My car stops just as well as my wifes but my brakes don't squeak.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
The reason this is "NORMAL" according to GM specs is because in 05 a ton of people with Z51's started hearing the sqeual.They brought in their cars for a fix,GM did a few under warranty then realized the expense and all of a sudden we got the "it's normal" routine.
Now what I did in the 05 I had at the time was get up to about 50mph AND HIT THE BRAKES HARD TILL I WAS STOPPED.I did this 5 or 6 times and never heard another squeal in the 2.5 years I had that car.
Now what I did in the 05 I had at the time was get up to about 50mph AND HIT THE BRAKES HARD TILL I WAS STOPPED.I did this 5 or 6 times and never heard another squeal in the 2.5 years I had that car.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,030
Likes: 9,786
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Actually it isn't BS. Most brake pads squeak. It isn't an issue and the driver shouldn't worry about it. The belief there is something wrong with squeaking brake pads is a myth brought about by non knowledgeable drivers. Start telling everybody that good pads squeak and after a while people will wonder why theirs don't squeak.
Bill
Bill
