You recently had your brakes replaced, so hearing them squeal can be frustrating.
It is easy to assume that new brakes should always be completely silent. In reality, brake noise can happen for several reasons, and a squeak does not automatically mean something was installed incorrectly. However, brake noise should not simply be ignored either. Here are some of the reasons your brakes may squeal after replacement and when you should have them inspected.
New brake pads and rotors need to develop proper contact with one another. During the first part of their service life, the surfaces are essentially getting used to each other. Depending on the brake components and driving conditions, you may notice some temporary noise during this period. If the noise continues, becomes louder, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be checked.
Not all brake pads are made from the same material. Different brake pad compounds are designed to balance things such as:
- Braking performance
- Heat resistance
- Noise
- Brake dust
- Durability
- Driving conditions
Some pad materials naturally make more noise than others, especially when they are cold. The correct brake components for your vehicle and how you use it can make a difference in both performance and noise.
If your vehicle has been parked overnight, especially during rainy or damp weather, a thin layer of surface rust can develop on the brake rotors. When you first drive the vehicle and apply the brakes, you may hear some squeaking or scraping. This often disappears after a few brake applications as the pads clean the surface of the rotor. If the sound continues throughout your drive, there may be another cause.
Brake components generate a tremendous amount of heat. In some situations, excessive heat can create a hardened or glazed surface on the brake pads or rotors. That smooth surface can cause noise and may affect braking performance. Glazing can be related to driving conditions, repeated heavy braking, towing, component problems, or other factors. An inspection can help determine whether the brake surfaces are wearing normally.
The brake pads and rotors are only part of the braking system. Brake hardware helps the pads move correctly and can help control vibration and noise. Depending on the vehicle, the system may include:
- Clips
- Shims
- Springs
- Pins
- Caliper brackets
- Lubricated contact points
If something is sticking, worn, damaged, or not moving correctly, you may hear noise even when the brake pads themselves are still in good condition.
Brake calipers apply pressure to the brake pads when you press the brake pedal. If a caliper or slide pin sticks, one brake pad may stay partially applied. That can lead to:
- Squealing
- Uneven brake-pad wear
- Excessive heat
- Pulling while braking
- Reduced fuel economy
- A burning smell
This is one reason brake noise should be evaluated along with the rest of the braking system.
The type of sound matters. A light squeal may have a very different cause than a grinding or scraping sound. Grinding can indicate that brake friction material is worn down or that metal components are contacting each other. If you hear grinding, feel the vehicle pulling, notice a soft brake pedal, experience shaking while braking, or see a brake warning light, have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
Brake noise gives us useful information, but it does not tell the whole story. The safest approach is to inspect the complete system and determine what is actually causing the sound. That may mean checking the brake pads, rotors, calipers, hardware, brake fluid, tires, suspension components, and other related areas. If your brakes were recently replaced and they are still squealing, do not assume you simply have to live with it. Let us take a look and determine whether the sound is normal or whether something needs attention. Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle, and we want you to feel confident every time you press the pedal.
Give us a call and let us take care of you. 541-791-2886
Happy Adventures,
Heather
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