Brake squeal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 412
Likes: 34
From: Blairsville....North Georgia Georgia
Brake squeal
Hello,
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 1,836
That's just what performance brakes do. Put a good heat cycle on them and they'll stop for a while. They are designed to work best hot. There are some other brands of pads you can get that will squeak less also.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 3,202
From: Oro Valley Arizona
Now hear this........
Cold temps are not the norm in Tucson. But when we have mornings in the high 30s low 40s, invariably our brakes will protest till we have gone a ways and stopped a few times. No different with the C6/7 we had.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
Hello,
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
Look at your Owner's Manual under tracking GM calls burnishing (most call bedding, you can google.) You don't need the ~25 hard braking from 60 to 10 to 15 mph as it defines to fix. i did it with ~6 or 7. BUT need to find a place to:
- Go 60 mph and apply the brakes aggressively like 0.8 "g" to 10 to 15 mph DO NOT STOP do not activate ABS.
- Drive for 1 mile (one minute at 60 mph to let the pad residual formed on the rotors start to bond.
- Then repeat 6 of 7 times NEVER stopping.
- Then drive ~5 miles without stopping or hitting the brakes to let them full cool and bond the brake pad material to the rotors.
For performance pads like the Z51 need to periodically apply the brakes aggressively to maintain that uniform pad material layer (it's also fun.) Pad on pad material is the highest friction, best stops are NOT pad on clean of pad residual rotors.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 135
Likes: 182
From: Hopkinsville Kentucky
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Is this a Z51??? if so, those brakes are made for HIGH PERFORMANCE, JerryU above gave you good advice and beware his last comment... about every time you take it out you need to be aggressive at least one time.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 1,029
From: 31 hours East of Peoria, AZ
Do you have a Z51?
If so, burnish the brakes, otherwise, do not.
https://canadiancorvetteforums.com/t...76/post-244003
If so, burnish the brakes, otherwise, do not.
https://canadiancorvetteforums.com/t...76/post-244003
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E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
Do you have a Z51?
If so, burnish the brakes, otherwise, do not.
https://canadiancorvetteforums.com/t...76/post-244003
If so, burnish the brakes, otherwise, do not.
https://canadiancorvetteforums.com/t...76/post-244003
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 28, 2026 at 03:24 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 673
Likes: 547
Some will say "that's what performance brakes do" and I can't accept that. I had a c6 GS w/ significant brake squeal that was solved (eventually) with a new set of rotors at 40k miles. My non-Z51 23 had brake squeal (about 3 months after purchased new) in reverse only, and only on cold days. My non-Z51 26 has a 1000 miles and zero issues. 3 vettes, same location/climate/driver, 3 very different experiences with brake noise.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
Some will say "that's what performance brakes do" and I can't accept that. I had a c6 GS w/ significant brake squeal that was solved (eventually) with a new set of rotors at 40k miles. My non-Z51 23 had brake squeal (about 3 months after purchased new) in reverse only, and only on cold days. My non-Z51 26 has a 1000 miles and zero issues. 3 vettes, same location/climate/driver, 3 very different experiences with brake noise.
Yep performance pads as on Z51, Z06, Grand Sport are more susceptible to brake squeal at low speeds with modest braking pressure. A uniform layer of brake pad material must develope when breaking in the car even with standard brakes. If an uneven layer of pad material develops on the rotors, it causes a type of stick/slip friction, creating high frequency vibration and "probably" the cause of slow speed, modest pressure vibration and squealing!
Google AI supports my personal findings
Yes, properly bedding car brake pads can stop or significantly reduce low-speed braking squeal. Squealing is often caused by new pads improper mating with the rotor; the bedding process transfers an even layer of friction material to the rotor, curing this common noise.
More Google Info:
Yes, achieving maximum braking friction, requires a thin, even layer of friction material to be transferred from the brake pads onto the surface of the rotor. This process, known as bedding transforms the braking mechanism to bond pad material to the rotor (MY NOTE: it's a very thin microscopic layer not visible to the eye.)
Why a Transfer Layer Maximizes Friction:
- Improved Grip: The adherent transfer layer allows the brake pads to get a better, more consistent grip on the rotor.
- Optimal Performance: A properly established transfer layer can improve stopping distances by up to 20 percent.
- Consistency: The thin, even layer acts as a consistent friction surface, reducing brake shudder, noise, and vibration.
- Stopped my 2014 C7 Z51 terrible slow speed. light braking squeal at started to occur at ~1000 miles.
- IMO, I was probably too easy on the brakes during break-in.
- As I have on other cars:
- Found a place to make 5 or 6 hard brake application (~0.8 "g" not enough to activare ABS) from 60 to 10/15 mph NOT STOPPING
- Once started NEVER stoping with
- 1 minute between braking (1 mile at 60 mph) to let some pad material formed on the rotor bond
- AFTER the last braking NOT stopping driving ~5 miles without ever braking
- That allows the transfered pad material fully bond to the rotor and solves the slow speed squealing issue
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 791
Likes: 230
From: SoCal CA
No Need to Accept, eliminate the probable cause (not using a Band-Aid brake lub on pad steel sides that often is only temporary solution!
Yep performance pads as on Z51, Z06, Grand Sport are more susceptible to brake squeal at low speeds with modest braking pressure. A uniform layer of brake pad material must develope when breaking in the car even with standard brakes. If an uneven layer of pad material develops on the rotors, it causes a type of stick/slip friction, creating high frequency vibration and "probably" the cause of slow speed, modest pressure vibration and squealing!
Google AI supports my personal findings
Yes, properly bedding car brake pads can stop or significantly reduce low-speed braking squeal. Squealing is often caused by new pads improper mating with the rotor; the bedding process transfers an even layer of friction material to the rotor, curing this common noise.
More Google Info:
Yes, achieving maximum braking friction, requires a thin, even layer of friction material to be transferred from the brake pads onto the surface of the rotor. This process, known as bedding transforms the braking mechanism to bond pad material to the rotor (MY NOTE: it's a very thin microscopic layer not visible to the eye.)
Why a Transfer Layer Maximizes Friction:
Yep performance pads as on Z51, Z06, Grand Sport are more susceptible to brake squeal at low speeds with modest braking pressure. A uniform layer of brake pad material must develope when breaking in the car even with standard brakes. If an uneven layer of pad material develops on the rotors, it causes a type of stick/slip friction, creating high frequency vibration and "probably" the cause of slow speed, modest pressure vibration and squealing!
Google AI supports my personal findings
Yes, properly bedding car brake pads can stop or significantly reduce low-speed braking squeal. Squealing is often caused by new pads improper mating with the rotor; the bedding process transfers an even layer of friction material to the rotor, curing this common noise.
More Google Info:
Yes, achieving maximum braking friction, requires a thin, even layer of friction material to be transferred from the brake pads onto the surface of the rotor. This process, known as bedding transforms the braking mechanism to bond pad material to the rotor (MY NOTE: it's a very thin microscopic layer not visible to the eye.)
Why a Transfer Layer Maximizes Friction:
- Improved Grip: The adherent transfer layer allows the brake pads to get a better, more consistent grip on the rotor.
- Optimal Performance: A properly established transfer layer can improve stopping distances by up to 20 percent.
- Consistency: The thin, even layer acts as a consistent friction surface, reducing brake shudder, noise, and vibration.
- Stopped my 2014 C7 Z51 terrible slow speed. light braking squeal at started to occur at ~1000 miles.
- IMO, I was probably too easy on the brakes during break-in.
- As I have on other cars:
- Found a place to make 5 or 6 hard brake application (~0.8 "g" not enough to activare ABS) from 60 to 10/15 mph NOT STOPPING
- Once started NEVER stoping with
- 1 minute between braking (1 mile at 60 mph) to let some pad material formed on the rotor bond
- AFTER the last braking NOT stopping driving ~5 miles without ever braking
- That allows the transfered pad material fully bond to the rotor and solves the slow speed squealing issue
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 70
Likes: 87
From: San Fernando Valley CA
Hello,
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
I've had my 2023 for a few months now and have enjoyed every moment with it.
But...........................
I am getting brake squeal every now and then. Some days it does not and one day it will
It is cold here. highs in the upper 30's or low 40's. Would that have anything to do with it?
As I said it is not a constant thing. Most days it doesn't and then one day it does and then we repeat.
any advise/suggestions. or education for me to learn.
Thanks
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
Find a place to make 5 or 6 hard brake application (~0.8 "g" not enough to activate ABS) from 60 to 10/15 mph NOT STOPPING
- Once started NEVER stopping with 1 minute between brake applications (1 mile at 60 mph) to let some pad material formed on the rotor bond.
- AFTER the last aggressive braking, WITHOUT stopping drive ~5 to 8 miles without ever braking
- That allows the transferred pad material fully bond to the cooling rotor and solves the slow speed squealing issue
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 29, 2026 at 01:18 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 412
Likes: 34
From: Blairsville....North Georgia Georgia
Thanks to all and especially 'Jerry U' for the info.
I guess part of my mystery is that I had a Z51 3LT 2015 and it Never did the 'squeal'????
Maybe the 'brakes' were different back then???
Finding a place to do all of the 'prescription' will be kinda difficult ....... but not impossible. I live in the North Georgia.....Mtns......area......but I'll find something, someday.
Thanks
I guess part of my mystery is that I had a Z51 3LT 2015 and it Never did the 'squeal'????
Maybe the 'brakes' were different back then???
Finding a place to do all of the 'prescription' will be kinda difficult ....... but not impossible. I live in the North Georgia.....Mtns......area......but I'll find something, someday.
Thanks
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
Thanks to all and especially 'Jerry U' for the info.
I guess part of my mystery is that I had a Z51 3LT 2015 and it Never did the 'squeal'????
Maybe the 'brakes' were different back then???
Finding a place to do all of the 'prescription' will be kinda difficult ....... but not impossible. I live in the North Georgia.....Mtns......area......but I'll find something, someday.
Thanks
I guess part of my mystery is that I had a Z51 3LT 2015 and it Never did the 'squeal'????
Maybe the 'brakes' were different back then???
Finding a place to do all of the 'prescription' will be kinda difficult ....... but not impossible. I live in the North Georgia.....Mtns......area......but I'll find something, someday.
Thanks
The CCB's on my E-Ray were worse. Not squealing stopping. Up to ~200 miles they were terrible (as many also report with new CCBs.) I bedded at ~250 miles and use ~12 hard brake applications 60 mph to 10 to 15 mph waiting 1 mile between. Found a long, two lane road over the Little and Big PEE DEE River (swapy between so a causeway) that had the required length, few interesting roads so no cars entering to require braking or to interump the miles needed. Than drove without brakes for ~8 more miles using only the downshift paddle to slow were needed. Braking was excellent after that.
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 29, 2026 at 01:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,018
Likes: 830
Congrats on your 2023 Corvette. We are happy to have you a part of such an active community here. If the braking squeals ever becomes a concern for safety, we urge you to connect with your local Chevrolet dealership immediately for a diagnosis. You can email us at socialmedia@gm.com with your forum username in the subject line, if you ever need assistance with this.