When new brakes squeak when stopping slow, it calls for concern. The problem could be normal in some cases but still requires your attention to prevent a potentially major issue.
You just bought new brake pads and then the car is already squeaking down the road whenever you decelerate. Perhaps, the brake is bad. But new pads shouldn’t just get bad, so it could be a different problem.
At the same time, the noise could be normal after replacing your brake pads. But if it is a brake issue, you may be able to fix it yourself. If too complicated, a professional is needed to evaluate the brakes.
Is it normal for new brakes to squeak?
It is not always normal for new brakes to squeak. Normally, you will get a grinding noise after brake pad replacement.
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A metal-on-metal noise would mean worn-out brake pads, and sometimes it even indicates that wear indicators or metal backing plates are grinding against the rotors, in extreme cases.
You need to note that certain brake hardware and brake pads make more noise than others, for instance, on performance vehicles.
If your brake squeaks are followed by pulsing and vibration in the brake pedal/steering wheel, illuminated brake warning light, or a burning smell around your tires, you need to get to the repair shop ASAP. Your brake system may have a major problem and needs to get fixed immediately to ensure road safety.
New brakes squeak when stopping slow
Apart from the feeling that something is not okay with the brakes, the noise alone is a problem you want to get rid of. So, consider the following if your newly purchased brakes squeak when you stop slow:
A lingering break-in
Normally, your auto care handles any initial break-in in your new brake pads after installing them. This break-in procedure makes sure the new pads and the rotors properly come into contact to reduce squeaking and glazing.
However, although the auto care looks at any initial break-in after pad replacements, the pads could still need to require additional miles to work well with the rotors, especially if you also had the rotors replaced.
How to fix
The simple solution here is to take it easy with your brake pads for some time. The pads and the rotor need to get acquainted. Do not slam the brakes. Also, make sure to come to slower, gentle stops.
Moisture
Ice, snow, and rain moisture building up on the rotors and pads will cause new brakes to squeak when stopping slowly. When you depress the brakes, the pads and rotors touch, and so moisture causes the squeaky noise.
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Moreover, condensation over the night on the metal rotors can result in rust buildup, which needs some braking occurrence in the morning to clean them. The primary cause of the squeak, in this case, is the surface rust and should subside after some time of driving.
How to fix
The pads and rotors will glide to get rid of the surface rust, so just make sure to keep driving and braking when necessary.
Heavy pressure
If you immediately take your car on a heavy-duty adventure, the pressure may be a bit high, causing the brakes to squeak. Constantly matching the brake pedal and stopping aggressively will heat the pads, resulting in an audible chatter or squeak.
How to fix
The fix is to begin by troubleshooting your new brake sound. First, pull over to a safe place and turn off the engine to give the brakes a break. However, if the overheating persists on the brakes, you may require professional auto care to fix the damage.
Glazing
Your new brake pads can glaze, causing them to generate a squeak whenever you stop slow. Here, the brake calipers stick, which forces the brake to remain partially applied, causing excessive friction and heat.
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As a result, your new brake pads will harden and glaze/crystallize. When the new brakes glaze, the stopping action will reduce and you will get a high-pitched noise when slowing to a stop.
Also, if the caliper pins get stuck in the ‘apply’ position, which causes glazing, your new brakes will squeak.
How to fix
To fix glazed brakes, contact a technician to sand the brake pads and rotors to get rid of any glaze. The technician needs to also check and resolve any caliper problems.
If the caliper pins got stuck, have the auto care technician have the pads fitted well enough to stop the squeak or chatter sound.
Brake pad metal fibers
The metal fibers in your brake pads can be the reason your new brakes squeak when stopping slow. When the metal fibers get too much in contact, this generates a squeaking noise. Usually, this goes away after wear.
How to fi
The solution is to drive the car for some miles for the brakes to wear. This will automatically get rid of the squeaking.
Brake pads not replaced
When the brake rotors are not replaced or machined with brake pads, the rotors will not mesh with the pads, which causes the squeaking noise you get while driving.
How to fix
To fix this issue, have the technician double-check the pads replacement.
Brake pad maintenance
Be willing to properly maintain your brake pads for durability and high performance.
a. No sudden slamming
When braking, make sure to slow down and gently match the brakes. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid suddenly slamming on the brakes – this causes more friction (or heat) in the braking system.
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b. Don’t do brake taps
Avoid using two-foot braking on your pedals. Placing one foot on the brake and another on the gas pedal always can get you to accidentally tap your brakes too frequently. Brake taps merely slow down your car and will quickly wear out the brake pads.
c. Coast, don’t use brakes
Instead of matching the brakes, consider coasting when possible. Allow the vehicle to coast before slowing and stopping instead of just depressing the braking always.
d. Don’t always haul
Haul only when necessary. If you have toolboxes and bags full of clothes, you should not drive around with them all the time. The idea is to reduce the load. Extra load adds additional weight, which burdens the brake pads when slowing down to a stop. The pressure eventually causes the brake pad to wear or degrade too quickly.
Squeaky brake repair cost
Brake pads and discs are not made equally, so quality determines the replacement cost. Buy higher quality pads, made with premium quality materials that have undergone more extensive research, stringent control procedures, and thorough testing to enhance your brake system.
High-quality discs and brake pads are quite expensive but worth the money. They make a difference such as the ability to withstand greater braking forces.
Conclusion
When you hear the squeak noise from your brakes, make sure to troubleshoot and have the auto care technician rework it. If necessary, make sure to get any manufacturer-approved parts your car needs to aid the braking system and reduce squeaks.
Bernard is the lead driver and force behind his Big Dog Garage Race Team. He is the General Manager and Chief Mechanic of Jay Leno’s Garage. Bernard and his crew of seven are responsible for all repairs, restoration and fabrication of Jay’s incredible automobile and motorcycle collection.
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