Specific brake pads may squeak, which is very typical, but you don’t want just to ignore it and think everything is excellent.
It is because, although it may be a typical condition, it also may be attempting to warn you that something very severe is happening. So, let’s find out more!
Why Are New Brakes Squeaking?
1. Low-Cost Brake Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads effectively stop your car, while cheaper models only generate noise when you press the brake pedal.
There’s a decent likelihood that choosing the less expensive brake pads is why you aren’t obtaining the desired silent results when you use the brakes.
Therefore, use premium ceramic brake pads if you wish to prevent this in the future. They perform better and last longer, tend to be quieter, and emit less brake dust.
2. Unsuitable Matched Pads
When the brake pads are changed, the rotors must either be replaced or surfaced. It enables a flush fit between the brake pads and rotors, which increases braking effectiveness.
Additionally, for the pads to function correctly, they must be broken in.
If you skip either of these procedures, you’ll lose stopping force and may experience screeching or squeaking whenever you apply the brakes.
3. Rotor Moisture
When you apply the brakes first thing in the morning and hear a screech, it’s probably just the brake pads squeaking in the morning’s dew.
Unfortunately, this is a typical occurrence, and it needs to go entirely after a few stops.
The same holds after you’ve washed your automobile. Squeaking may occur briefly if the rotor has some moisture on it.
4. Debris Between Rotor And Pad
Anytime something comes in contact with the pad or rotor, it will make a noise.
Even though it makes a little noise, a tiny amount of dust is not a significant concern, but anything else, like a pebble, can cause major issues.
In addition to creating a loud noise, debris among the pad and rotor quickly and unevenly wears down the pads and rotor.
Even worse, it may adversely affect braking effectiveness and cause a collision.
5. Corroded Rotor
Even though your brake pads are brand new, it doesn’t always imply that you drive your car frequently.
So, if the brakes are sitting for a while, there’s a high probability that all you hear while driving is the brake pads tattering the rust off the rotor.
The rotors will wear down, and the squeaking will stop after traveling for 5 to 10 miles.
6. Filthy And Wet Discs
It’s no surprise that your brakes may make an audible noise while warming up, such as first thing in the morning after you’ve just started your car.
They could develop a thin film of rust or dampness if left out overnight. That rusty stuff is being scrubbed away by the brake pads when you push the pedal, which explains why your brakes screech when you slow down.
7. Curved Brake Discs
Another reason for squeaky automobile brakes might be the vibration-induced warping of the discs.
Brake glazing, which happens when the clippers cling together, is dangerous and can cause the brake pads to overheat.
Brake pads that are worn out are dangerously thin. In this situation, you’ll hear squeaking or squealing noises.
8. Unreliable Brake Pads Materials
Most brake pads are often comprised of numerous materials, including resin, graphite, steel, and brass.
Organic materials also employed in brake pads include rubber, glass, and Kevlar. Bad brake pads can be identified by their much greater metal content.
9. Uneven Brake Calipers
The brakes may screech if the brake calipers are out of alignment.
You can adjust the caliper to make them aligned to your brake pads to correct this. Also, you must replace the brake pads as they become worn.
If you install new pads, you should adjust your calipers, too; otherwise, they will quickly fall out of alignment and your brakes will squeal once again.
10. Loose Brake Hardware
Among a car’s most crucial safety components is its brakes.
They can quickly turn into danger if they begin to malfunction. Squeaky brakes are a common problem.
Loose brake hardware is frequently the root of this issue. The brakes may squeak each time they are being used if the hardware gets loose.
Of course, the most uncomplicated course of action is to get the automobile serviced. Then, the mechanic can stop the noise by tightening the hardware.
11. Unlubricated Drum Brakes
If your automobile uses drum brakes, the squeaking may be because of an insufficiency of lubrication at the points where the shoes and drum come into contact.
Without lubrication, it will produce a squeaking sound as the shoes begin to rub on the backing plate.
You can determine the problem by searching for evidence of this scrape where the base metal is exposed.
So, applying brake oil to your backing plate where the piston contacts the shoes is a simple way to fix or prevent noisy drum brakes.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why ceramic brakes squeak, why bleed brakes, and why new brakes are squeaking.
Conclusion
Squeaky brakes can be caused by various things, from a bit of moisture that accumulated overnight to a significant problem with your hydraulics or brake caliper.
Avoid taking any chances when it concerns your brakes. Therefore, it’s time to have your automobile examined by a reliable repair if the noise lasts longer than a day or two.
Otherwise, a small problem might become a far more costly brake repair.