C8 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Brake Squeal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 31, 2021 | 05:14 PM
  #1  
Racer563's Avatar
Racer563
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
Default Brake Squeal

My 2020 C8 has developed a loud brake squeal at very low stopping speeds such as stop and go traffic. Not a problem under normal highway braking. Anyone else with similar experience?
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2021 | 06:50 PM
  #2  
GTUnit's Avatar
GTUnit
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 668
From: Orange County, CA
Default

Yes mine does it. Very annoying. Occasional brake bedding like hard stop clears it up for a bit but it comes back.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2021 | 09:17 PM
  #3  
Brett_A's Avatar
Brett_A
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 431
Likes: 131
From: Plano, Texas
Default

Originally Posted by GTUnit
Yes mine does it. Very annoying. Occasional brake bedding like hard stop clears it up for a bit but it comes back.
I really think this is a wide problem across other GM brands. My Cadillac had the same problem and I was told to bed the brakes and it would only stop if for a short while. Eventually I resurfaced the discs to remove a glaze and then put new ceramic pads and and it went away.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2021 | 08:02 AM
  #4  
capevettes's Avatar
capevettes
CF Community Team
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,357
Likes: 5,242
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Same with mine. Intermittent at very low speeds but it's loud and annoying when it does it. I've bedded the brakes several times but it comes back. None of my previous modern Vettes, including Z06's, ever did this.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2021 | 08:42 AM
  #5  
Racer X's Avatar
Racer X
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
Default

Does this have to do with pad formulation due to new California regulations (thanks CA) that don’t allow copper(?) or something?
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2021 | 12:52 PM
  #6  
Racer563's Avatar
Racer563
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
Default Warranty ? Repair

Has anyone experiencing brake squeal on their C8 taken it to the dealer for service repair? If so, was it successful? Did they identify a cause? Was it warranty? Normally brake pads are not warranty but I believe this is a different issue than normal wear. Mine have just over 2k miles on them.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 08:44 AM
  #7  
JRitt@essex's Avatar
JRitt@essex
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 509
From: Charlotte NC
Default

Brake squeal is commonly related to the pads not being bed-in on the discs properly. Nine times out of ten when customers call us with this issue, it goes away for a period of time after a good bed-in. After bedding the pads and discs, the pad transfer layer on the disc will gradually scrape off, particularly if you're frequently driving the car with cold brakes. Please check out our video on the topic below:

Reply
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 12:59 PM
  #8  
KNSBrakes's Avatar
KNSBrakes
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 30,982
Likes: 405
From: Raleigh NC
Default

Originally Posted by Racer563
Has anyone experiencing brake squeal on their C8 taken it to the dealer for service repair? If so, was it successful? Did they identify a cause? Was it warranty? Normally brake pads are not warranty but I believe this is a different issue than normal wear. Mine have just over 2k miles on them.
The Z51 brakes squeal because they are performance brakes and that is what they do. It's possible but unlikely that you have a defective pad, rotor or caliper.

You can replace them, grease them, bed them, flip them, shim them, turn them, cryo them, oh yeah and even spray stuff on them. It may or may not help.

They don't always squeal, some squeal louder than others, and everything in between.

But the answer is the Z51 compound is an aggressive pad made by Pagid in a Brembo caliper and that makes it have a high likliehood to squeal as compared to other car.

There are aftermarket pads that absolutely reduce the dust and seem to be less disposed to noise.

-Ken




Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 07:33 PM
  #9  
Racer563's Avatar
Racer563
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
Default

Thank you for the information. Very helpful
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2021 | 07:34 PM
  #10  
Racer563's Avatar
Racer563
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
Default

Thank you. I watched your video and will try to find the proper road and time.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 01:56 AM
  #11  
Mlmeuret's Avatar
Mlmeuret
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by KNSBrakes
The Z51 brakes squeal because they are performance brakes and that is what they do. It's possible but unlikely that you have a defective pad, rotor or caliper.

You can replace them, grease them, bed them, flip them, shim them, turn them, cryo them, oh yeah and even spray stuff on them. It may or may not help.

They don't always squeal, some squeal louder than others, and everything in between.

But the answer is the Z51 compound is an aggressive pad made by Pagid in a Brembo caliper and that makes it have a high likliehood to squeal as compared to other car.

There are aftermarket pads that absolutely reduce the dust and seem to be less disposed to noise.

-Ken
A good burnish will fix it. After 2500 miles, dealer replaced pads which began squealing again after 50 miles. To burnish properly you must find enough road to accelerate quickly to 70 and firm brake (no abs) to 5 and back up, 8-10x

Last edited by Mlmeuret; Aug 21, 2021 at 01:58 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2021 | 10:51 AM
  #12  
Carbotech Adam's Avatar
Carbotech Adam
Supporting Vendor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 50,281
Likes: 518
From: Cleveland OH
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
Default

If you are not tracking the car you can change your brake pads to a quality aftermarket pad such as the Carbotech 1521 compound quiet and low dust.


For a high quality low dust performance street brake pad take a look at the Carbotech 1521 brake pad 100% non-corrosive dust will not harm your wheels, paint or rotors. Carbotech brake pads are 100% made in the USA and contain NRS Technology Here is a link to explain further what NRS technology is exactly: http://www.nrsbrakes.com


Carbotech brake pads can be ordered by calling me at 216-780-8825 Or order direct Here
Chevrolet Brake Pads – Amp'd Autosport (ampdautosport.com) Use promo code z28 at check out for your forum discount.

Part numbers for C8 Z51 are below.

Front part Number CT28951F 1521 $284 Less 5%

Rear Part Number CT28951R 1521 $214 Less 5%


ALL COMPOUNDS ARE IN STOCK!

Carbotech brake pads are 100% Made in the USA!

:
:

The Carbotech Bobcat 1521™ is our high performance street compound that is our most successful compound. The Bobcat compound is known for its awesome release and modulation, along with unmatched rotor friendliness. Like our AX™ & XP™ line of compounds, Bobcat 1521™ is a Ceramic based friction material offering minimal rotor damage and non-corrosive dust. Bobcat 1521™ offers outstanding performance, even when cold, low dusting and low noise with an excellent initial bite. This compound’s virtually perfect linear torque production provides incredible braking force without ABS intervention. Bobcat 1521™ operating range starts out at ambient and goes up to 900°F. Bobcat 1521™ is suitable for ALL street cars, perfect for your tow vehicle, police cruiser. The Bobcat 1521™ compound has been found to last two-three times longer than OE pads you can purchase at a dealership or national retailer. That’s one of the beauties of Carbotech Ceramic brake compounds. Bobcat 1521™ is NOT recommended for any track use.
__________________
Adam Adelstein
Amp’D Autosport.com
Internet's largest retailer of Carbotech Performance Brake Pads.
PH:216-780-8825.
Email: sales@ampdautosport.com
Web Site & Direct ordering http://ampdautosport.com/
All major CC and Pay Pal accepted.
Check out Promo code:z28







Reply
Old Oct 10, 2021 | 01:12 AM
  #13  
holtkam2's Avatar
holtkam2
1st Gear
 
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Racer563
My 2020 C8 has developed a loud brake squeal at very low stopping speeds such as stop and go traffic. Not a problem under normal highway braking. Anyone else with similar experience?
Yup, mine started doing it at around 2400 miles, seeming out of nowhere. Only intermittently, and only at very low speeds. I even took it into my local chevy dealer to have it checked out but they said the brakes look fine. If someone figures out the best course of action let me know because it's annoying.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2022 | 08:50 PM
  #14  
Shadowgrayc7's Avatar
Shadowgrayc7
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 126
Likes: 58
Default

Mine is doing it only for the first few minutes when everything's really cold but it went from brakes squealing a little to something so loud you can't hear the engine.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2022 | 10:16 PM
  #15  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,914
Likes: 12,328
From: NE South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Shadowgrayc7
Mine is doing it only for the first few minutes when everything's really cold but it went from brakes squealing a little to something so loud you can't hear the engine.
FWIW, I had the problem at ~1000 miles on my 2014 C7 Z51. It was only at slow speeds with modest braking. The cause is an uneven accumulation of brake pad material on the rotors. That causes a vibration and squealing. The solution is bedding or as GM calls in burnishing in the Section on Tracking in the Owner's Manual. Look it up.

Essentially need to brake 6 or 7 times from 60 mph to 15 mph, let the brakes cool a few minutes between stops and after the 6th time let them cool without braking. Key is finding a place to do it. The Manual says need to do 20 to 25 times but 6 or 7 will do. If it's a Z51 need to apply the brakes aggressively periodically to maintain a thin uniform layer on the pads.

BTW, switched to Carbotech 1521 low dust pads on my 2014 C7 Z51, used them on my 2017 Grand Sport and have them now on my C8 Z51, never one squeal. BUT I use the brakes aggressively at least once or trice each time I drive.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2022 | 10:18 PM
  #16  
Shadowgrayc7's Avatar
Shadowgrayc7
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 126
Likes: 58
Default

My cars just a base car not z51, thanks for the help!
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2022 | 05:44 AM
  #17  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,914
Likes: 12,328
From: NE South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Shadowgrayc7
My cars just a base car not z51, thanks for the help!
FWIW, you don't need new pads but the cause for squealing could be the same as I describe. Worth 5 or 6 successive, aggressive stops from 60 to 15 mph (don't actually stop) to see if it helps.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Brake Squeal

Old Feb 1, 2022 | 04:48 PM
  #18  
DomLS3's Avatar
DomLS3
Pro
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 657
Likes: 192
From: Memphis Tennessee
Default

I think there's a TSB for this and the dealer will fix it for free.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2022 | 06:43 PM
  #19  
JerryU's Avatar
JerryU
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,914
Likes: 12,328
From: NE South Carolina
Default

^^^
Yep, if it's like the C7 this issue is still vibration, probably caused by uneven brake pad residual on the rotors. Dealer cannot "bed the brake pads" for you and if they did GM would not reimburse. GM will pay the dealer to pull the pads and put brake pad lub on the sides of the steel pad backs. That's what you do when installing new pads and it will help for a while. Many found it comes back.

Bedding the pads will eliminate the cause (in most cases.) Google, lots written on the subject.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2022 | 02:09 PM
  #20  
Coc00n123's Avatar
Coc00n123
1st Gear
 
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default Brake squel C8

Originally Posted by djpelosi
I think there's a TSB for this and the dealer will fix it for free.
Brake squel C8 2300 miles.Saw a urine video where mechanic rubs copper crease on all padswasnt done at factor correctly fixed problem.Dealer should do it under bulletin .
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:50 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE