Brakes Squeaking

[venomx]

Sometimes when applying the brakes I get a high pitched squeak from the front brakes. Tends to be worse after cleaning the car with a water hose.

I did have an MOT a couple of months ago and the report mentioned nothing about the brakes being worn, however I do a lot of mileage and this may have changed.

The brakes seem very sharp and responsive but just wondering if it sounds as if the brake pad/disk could need replacing soon ?

It has been raining recently and lots of puddles. so maybe this has something to do with it ?

Thanks

[TonyHSD]

Hi, this occurs after rust and debris covered  the disc and pads and in between,  can be caused by many things including rain, car wash, salt and grit from the winter driving etc., brake dust from wear.,.  Some make and models has also metal shims attached to the pads that works as pad wear indicators however when the pads are worn the shims will create a squeaking noises when the car is free rolling and stop any noises when pressing the brakes, noises returns after release the brake pedal, kind of opposite to what you experienced. You can dismantle, clean pads callipers and lubricate slider pins, inspect and measure the pad thickness as per regular maintenance every two-three years. 👍

[venomx]

Brilliant thank you !

The outer part of the disk is thicker than the inside, but this is normal because the pads don't press on the outside, right?

 

[TonyHSD]

1 hour ago, venomx said:

Brilliant thank you !

The outer part of the disk is thicker than the inside, but this is normal because the pads don't press on the outside, right?

 

You mean there is a lip at the edge, this is happening when the disc wears out, and that can also create some squeaking noises too. You can take some pictures and share here so we can look at the parts and give you extra advice. Important to note if the disc has a lip and you need to replace the pads best to replace the discs as well , so both new to bed in easier and prevent noises and reduced performance.  👌

[bathtub tom]

2 hours ago, venomx said:

Brilliant thank you !

The outer part of the disk is thicker than the inside, but this is normal because the pads don't press on the outside, right?

 

NO! The pads should provide equal pressure across the disc (why else would you have two of them?). If you don't know how to do it yourself, I suggest you get someone competent to check your brakes. You may have squeal warnings fitted on the pads. The MOT cannot check the remaining pad depth without removing the wheels (which they're not allowed to do).

[venomx]

10 hours ago, bathtub tom said:

NO! The pads should provide equal pressure across the disc (why else would you have two of them?). If you don't know how to do it yourself, I suggest you get someone competent to check your brakes. You may have squeal warnings fitted on the pads. The MOT cannot check the remaining pad depth without removing the wheels (which they're not allowed to do).

Oh right strange. I saw a YouTube video who said it's normal for the very outer diameter of the disk to be thicker than the rest due to where the pads don't press against...

I put an arrow to where I mean

 

 

See 30 seconds in..

 

 

[venomx]

I'll get some pics later. If needed I'll book in with the mechanic and get them replaced.

Only seems to make the squeak if I apply the brakes hard.

[bathtub tom]

3 hours ago, venomx said:

Oh right strange. I saw a YouTube video who said it's normal for the very outer diameter of the disk to be thicker than the rest due to where the pads don't press against...

 

 

Sorry, I thought you meant one side of the disc compared to the other. It's perfectly normal to have a 'lip' on the outer circumferance of the disc, caused by the pads wearing the disc.

[Guest]

I have also experienced squeaky brakes caused by the actual pads material. i.e. aftermarket manufacture and possibly lesser quality.

[venomx]

From what I can see. The brake pads which touch the disk look about 0.8mm at least and are slightly thicker than the part which holds it against the disk ( towards the rims )

[TonyHSD]

1 hour ago, venomx said:

From what I can see. The brake pads which touch the disk look about 0.8mm at least and are slightly thicker than the part which holds it against the disk ( towards the rims )

Pads has plenty of life remaining but there are also well covered in brake dust and the discs has a lip which is normal when wears out but also there are marks on the disc left from the pad which indicates there is some disc thickness variation dtc present, have you got any vibrations when braking hard? My advice is to get your brakes dismantled, cleaned with wire brush, pads and callipers too, then sliding pins lubricated with silicone grease, the disc can benefit from taking off the hub and both hubs and disc inside where they touch each other to get properly clean from any rust and grease if there is any and then do not use any grease anywhere except silicone one on the slider pins. Job done and you will have better brakes and eventually no noises anymore. Next time when you about to replace either discs or pads make sure you have them both replaced and not only discs or only pads, for now I think you are good to go with cleaning only 👍

[bathtub tom]

Measure the thickness of those discs, the clean part, not including the lip. You'll need someting like a vernier or micrometer. There may be something cast into the disc telling you the minimum, but if not you can probably find it by googling.

[venomx]

22 hours ago, TonyHSD said:

have you got any vibrations when braking hard?

No not at all.

I'll get in with the mechanic in the next couple of weeks

[TonyHSD]

34 minutes ago, venomx said:

No not at all.

I'll get in with the mechanic in the next couple of weeks

Good, then just drive it as is and can give it a good wash after the cold weather goes and perhaps a brake service as mentioned earlier but nothing to rush for. 👌

[venomx]

21 hours ago, TonyHSD said:

Good, then just drive it as is and can give it a good wash after the cold weather goes and perhaps a brake service as mentioned earlier but nothing to rush for. 👌

Before I go to the mechanic I may try some brake cleaner. IF that doesn't work then I'll get the pads/disk replaced as I'm not experienced enough to take the brakes apart myself.

Would something like this be ok ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holts-1831697-Brake-Cleaner/dp/B0025KOQYY/ref=asc_df_B0025KOQYY/

[venomx]

Right I tried that Brake Cleaner on both sides and now the squeaking has stopped. I'll give it a good run tomorrow and see how it is.

[TonyHSD]

2 hours ago, venomx said:

Before I go to the mechanic I may try some brake cleaner. IF that doesn't work then I'll get the pads/disk replaced as I'm not experienced enough to take the brakes apart myself.

Would something like this be ok ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holts-1831697-Brake-Cleaner/dp/B0025KOQYY/ref=asc_df_B0025KOQYY/

Cool, yes this is one of the best if not the best brake cleaner available, cleans great and it’s safe for all materials, some other sprays cause damage to plastic and rubber materials, paint work ets, this one is good 👍 

[venomx]

Thanks @TonyHSD for the advice.

I cleaned the brakes thoroughly with the brake cleaner, then blasted it with a jet hose and now the squeak has gone! Very happy with that.

[TonyHSD]

1 hour ago, venomx said:

Thanks @TonyHSD for the advice.

I cleaned the brakes thoroughly with the brake cleaner, then blasted it with a jet hose and now the squeak has gone! Very happy with that.

Cool, happy it worked for you. 👍

[Cyker]

Careful, he'll be giving *us* advice in a few years at this rate!!  

[venomx]

Well the annoying squeak returned so played it safe and got the pads/discs replaced as per @TonyHSD advice. 😁