Brake Squeaking

[SilviaSR20DET]

For some reason my brakes on my car are sqeaking pretty loudly when i apply the brakes. Could it be that i need new brake pads or something? Sometimes its stops under hard braking but when i apply it sofly its starts that squeaky noise. Please help me find out whats wrong with my brakes. THANK YOU!

[adey]

I think the most common causes for squeaking would be the brake pads wearing thin (you've worn the pads down to their metal "screech" strip that lets you know that you're running low) -- take a look at the pads (if you don't have rims with big spoke-openings you'll have to take the wheel off the car) and see how much is left. I don't know what the exact measurement is, but I'd say they're about ready to be replaced if they're anything thinner than 3 or 4mm.

The other possibility is that your brake calipers/assemblies weren't properly lubricated when you last had the pads or rotors changed. If the pads look good, it may just be some of the metal parts rubbing together... which sounds bad, but if I'm not mistaken, isn't particularly damaging. (other than, of course, to your ears.)

There could be some other issues, but I think the two above scenarios are most likely.

If all else fails, take it to a shop to have 'em check it out. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[Is that a ???]

It could also be that your break pads have cracks in them. It will not hurt your breaks to ride on them it is just the break pads that cause a whistle noise when they are aplied. The best thing to do is get new pads!!!!

[Natty]

My brakes started squeakinga &nbsp;few months back so I bought $60 in new pads. I pulled the wheels off and the pads were brand new! D'oh!
I guess the last guy didn't lube them, so they squeaked. I figure it isn't damaging, so I said screw it and I am living with it &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
Jeff

[jyt747]

just put some anti-squeal on them and they should be fine.

[Archangel]

My brakes squealed bad because my pads were really worn down. &nbsp;Just like you said, hard braking = no squeak, light braking = alotta squeak. &nbsp;I bought a set of EBC Greenstuff pads, installed them, no squeak... for about 2 weeks.
Now they squeak a little the first few times I use them, then for the rest of the drive they're fine. &nbsp;The pads are still pretty new, so they might still be bedding in with the rotors, but if not the little bit of squeak is not bad at all.

[S14Racer]

Your rotors may be warped.

BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication? &nbsp;I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking. &nbsp;Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube?

[lVll2. S14]

have you tried changing your brake shims? you can order a set from nissan for about 40 bux. i think they're the little metal clips that go on your brake pads before you put them back on. also check the brake pad retaining clips they might be a little worn. when you get a new set make sure you lube the deepest dip in the clip.

[adey]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (S14Racer @ Oct. 03 2002,10:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication? I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking. Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
no kidding man! You have to lube EVERYTHING up! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Actually... I believe you are supposed to lube something when changing pads. I haven't quite figured out what, but I'll be doing my brakes next week (or whenever I get my braided lines and tie rod bushings) and will know by then (thanks to the FSM)...

edit: If yours don't squeal, that's fine I guess - they may start squealing in the futuer though, and that may be because you didn't lube it up. &nbsp;Think chafing... not good! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':nervous:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'>

[guidot]

No lube is necessary. &nbsp;The squeeking you hear could also be the shims wearing so thin, they have fallen out of place and are hitting the rotor under braking. &nbsp;I think thats what happened with mine, because we put them back together with the shims on, but they were almost all in pieces!

[Pancor]

When you install brake pads, you're supposed to put a dab of special grease on the back of the pad. &nbsp;It's purpose is to absorb and dampen the resonant vibrations that cause squeeling. &nbsp;If you put a dry pad on a car, its almost guaranteed to squeel somewhere down the line.