What causes squeaky brakes?

Alex · 01-12-2004, 01:42 AM

My brakes have started squeaking, surprisingly enough, when I brake. Not all the time, but they do it sometimes and it annoys me a bit... what normally causes this and what can I do about it?

Grey M@a · 01-12-2004, 01:50 AM

well basically wear and tear, but if its just started, go to your local garage and ask for a tube of copper grease, its expensive but basically apply to brake pads and jobs a goodun, squeeky breaks be gone, although your pads could be on the way out

but copper grease works a treat

its what most mechanics will use anyway when applying new pads

Nox · 01-12-2004, 07:55 AM

just put new pads on it. DON'T put copper grease on 'disk side' of the pads either - unless you don't want to stop! and I can't see how putting it elsewhere would stop squeaking?

i'm assuming they aren't drum brakes?

Nox

Jiff Lemon · 01-12-2004, 08:20 AM

Depends if they front or rear brakes that are squeeling.
Lack of abestos in the friction material means that squeeling is more common.

Generally it's a sign that the accumalated dust needs cleaning and then everything cleaned up and greased.

doll · 02-12-2004, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Jiff Lemon

Lack of abestos in the friction material means that squeeling is more common.

Generally it's a sign that the accumalated dust needs cleaning and then everything cleaned up and greased.

Very true, you can try copper grease but it depends on the formulation in the friction material of the pads you have got.

If it doesn't solve it, you may want to get a set of 'softer' pads or pads with a high Carbon content, you'll get a lot more brake dust but they should be a lot quieter (until the dust builds up

). VAG use Textar as OE to combat noise and to increase service intervals, they have a really high carbon content, hence why most VAG's you see have loads of brake dust on the wheels.

It can be advantageous to use softer pads anyway as your discs will last longer...

Nox · 02-12-2004, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Jiff Lemon

Depends if they front or rear brakes that are squeeling.
Lack of abestos in the friction material means that squeeling is more common.

Generally it's a sign that the accumalated dust needs cleaning and then everything cleaned up and greased.

I would of said generally its a sign of needing to replace the pads! If they are worn down enough, metal on metal will squeak. Use it as an early warning and take a GOOD look at them...

Nox

Tumble · 02-12-2004, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Nox

just put new pads on it. DON'T put copper grease on 'disk side' of the pads either - unless you don't want to stop! and I can't see how putting it elsewhere would stop squeaking? i'm assuming they aren't drum brakes?

Nox

You stick it on the back of the pads, where the piston pushes on em. the squeak is just a very high frequency vibrataion... the grease damps the vibration out, stopping the squeak. Done this on me mountain bike - works a treat (got hydraulic disc brakes)

Grey M@a · 02-12-2004, 02:38 PM

forgot to add, some places call it copper slip instead of grease but its the same stuff, but as said if you are getting squeeling from the brakes strip em down and take a good look as they could be shot instead of on their way out.

TeePee · 02-12-2004, 02:46 PM

Some cars have a low pad warning device which is a piece of metal which comes in contace with the disc when the pad is low. This makes a squeeling noise. Otherwise copper grease is the way to go. either way you need to take the pads out, so you'll be able to look and see if the pad is low.

**Zak33** · 02-12-2004, 05:42 PM

or...its just possible...that a small rodent is sat on the caliper. Now he's a quiet, nice little chap, who keeps himself to himself.... but when the brakes get REALLY HOT, they burn his bum, and he squeaks to show his objection.

Well....that's what I tell people

can't say fairer to be honest

TeePee · 03-12-2004, 06:59 AM

Next you'll be saying theres a cat living on his gearbox!

Tumble · 03-12-2004, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Zak33

or...its just possible...that a small rodent is sat on the caliper. Now he's a quiet, nice little chap, who keeps himself to himself.... but when the brakes get REALLY HOT, they burn his bum, and he squeaks to show his objection.

Well....that's what I tell people

can't say fairer to be honest

what on earth was in that schmoke you had with your pancake last night??

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