New Brakes Squeaking or Squealing?
The last thing anyone should expect when taking their car in to have their brakes repaired is to have them squeak and squeal again when they get home. But when it does happen, what does it mean? Is this normal or did the workshop do a poor job?
The truth is that it depends on a lot of factors. Because, although you may have to take your car back to the workshop or look for a new one, this may be a totally normal situation.
Is it normal for new brakes to squeal?It is quite normal for some brake pads to squeak, but you should not ignore it and think that everything is fine, because while it may be a normal condition, it could also be a sign that something serious is going on.
So, if you hear your brake pads squealing, consider all the following possible causes and if something doesn’t seem right, have your car looked at or take it to a mechanic to have them look at the brakes. The main causes of squealing and squealing brakes
Before we get into the specific causes of these noises, let’s discuss how these noises are produced.
Vibration
Vibrations from brake components can cause a phenomenon called “brake judder,” which can lead to squealing and squealing. It occurs when the brake disc or drum is warped or wears unevenly, causing the brake pads or brake shoes to vibrate and produce a high-pitched noise.
Vibrations can also cause brake components to rub against each other, resulting in squealing noises.
Friction and Heat
Friction and heat can also cause brakes to squeal and squeal. When brake pads are pressed against the rotor or drum, friction is generated, which generates heat. This heat can cause brake components to expand and contract, resulting in high-pitched squealing noises.
In addition, if your brake pads are made of a hard material or are not properly lubricated, friction and heat can be generated, resulting in squealing or grinding noises. This is because increased friction can cause the brake pads to vibrate, resulting in high-pitched squealing noises.
In addition, dirt and debris on brake components can generate friction and heat, which can lead to brake squealing. For example, brake dust buildup on rotors and drums can cause uneven wear and squealing when braking.
Causes of brake squeal after brake pad/rotor replacement
There are a few possible reasons why your new brakes may be squealing or squealing during use. Below, we’ve covered the five most common issues and explained how to determine if this applies to your brakes.
1) Cheap brake pads
When we talk about “cheap” brake pads, we don’t want to give the wrong impression. Semi-metallic brake pads do a great job of stopping your vehicle, but low-end semi-metallic brake pads will just make noise when you brake. If you choose cheap pads, there is a good chance that you will not get the desired level of noise when braking.
If you want to avoid this in the future, we recommend using high-quality ceramic brake pads. Not only will they last longer and have better braking performance, but they will also be quieter than usual and produce less brake dust.
2) The pads are not properly connected
When replacing brake pads, you will need to replace the rotors or grind them down. This will ensure that the pads are flush with the rotors for maximum braking power. Not only that, but brake pads also need to be broken in to function properly.
Failing to do this can reduce braking power and cause a squealing or grinding noise when you apply the brakes.
3) Moisture on the rotors
If you’re walking to your car in the morning and hear a squealing noise when you apply the brakes, it’s most likely just morning dew making your brake pads squeal. This is normal and should go away after you apply the brakes a few times.
The same goes for after you wash your car. Moisture on the rotor may cause temporary squealing.
4) Dirt or dirt between the pad and rotor
A foreign object caught between the pad and rotor will cause abnormal noise. A little dust is not a big deal, even if it makes some noise, but anything else (such as a small pebble) can cause serious problems.
Dirt between the pad and rotor will not only cause noise, but will also make the pad and rotor wear faster and unevenly. In the worst case, it can seriously affect braking performance and lead to an accident.
5) Rusty Rotors
Even if you have new brake pads, you probably don’t drive your car often. If you leave them for long periods of time, there’s a good chance that all you’ll hear while driving is the brake pads removing the rust from the rotors. After 5-10 miles on the road, the rust should wear off the rotors and the squealing should go away.
Does the noise go away on its own? It depends on what’s going on. If the problem is rust on the rotor, moisture on the rotor, or dust between the rotor and the brake pad, the problem will go away on its own.
However, if the problem is dirt between the brake pad and the rotor, the problem will most likely continue until someone removes the dirt.
How Long Do Brakes Squeak After Being Replaced?
After replacing your brake pads, it’s quite common to hear some squeaking or squealing noises. This is because new brake pads need a break-in period to fully seat against the rotors.
During this time, you might be wondering just how long this noise will last, right? Let’s discuss that.
However, the duration may change depending on the quality of your brake pads and rotors, as well as your driving style.
Note: We go over the proper brake pad bedding-in procedure in this article.
To reduce the likelihood of brake squeaks during the break-in period, you can follow these tips:
1. Drive gently and avoid sudden stops
2. Perform a proper bed-in procedure after installing new brake pads
3. Inspect the rotors for any signs of grooves or glazing
4. Regularly check and maintain your braking system
Keep in mind that brake noises after a replacement are usually not a cause for alarm, but your safety is always the priority.