Brake Noise

Even after you and/or your mechanic have determined your brake system is in tip-top shape, the squeal, out of sheer automotive spite, sometimes continues. All you get for your trouble is peace of mind that the brakes are functioning more or less normally.

Keep Quiet
There are a few options, though, to quiet the noise. If you've recently purchased high-performance carbon-metallic brake pads, know that this material is prone to noise. So you may have to either live with the squeal or go back to original equipment pads.


If the squeal only occurs when your brakes are hot, that's normal. If you're using your brakes to control speed down a steep grade, you may want to let the engine do the work by shifting to a lower gear. As brakes heat up they become noisy and less effective.


If the noise pops up just before your vehicle comes to a complete stop, as opposed to squealing throughout the entire range of braking, the cause could be a brake pad that is vibrating against the rotor. A set of brake pad vibration damper pads could cure the squeal, but there's no guarantee. The vibration damper pads are made of a self-sticking fiber material that sticks to the back of the brake pad backing plate. Some come with a mushroom-shaped button spring in the center. The theory is that the pad and button spring cushion the vibration and create extra clearance to either reduce or completely eliminate the vibration/squeal.


Another solution to the pad vibration problem is a good coating of anti-squeal compound, either in spray or liquid application form. These heat-resistant polymer adhesives go on the back of the pad to cushion it from the caliper pistons. Be sure to only apply it to that part of the back that comes in contact with the piston. If it ends up on the front contact area of the pad or shoe, the stopping function of the component will be reduced. The spray helps the pad retract from the piston and quiets the squeal.