Squeek Help Squeek Help Squeek Help

RAZORGAMING · 26 Mar 2007 at 19:49

Think i broke my new toy anyone? 2004 Corvette.

When i break at speed its fine but when i break to crawl say in traffic or into the parking it squeeks. I am not sure if it has always been there or if i should even worry about it. Car has only done about 6k Miles. I did however blast down the street at a fair old rate not noticing that well.. the hand break was still on....

So anyone.. why is it squeeking is it normal and will it be expensive to fix

saitrix · 26 Mar 2007 at 19:54

No problems, mine does it. Just need some copper grease on the back of the brake pads to stop it. Should have anti squeal shims though...

Akira · 26 Mar 2007 at 20:04

It's "brake" and "squeak" but saitrix is right, it could be they're dry and need grease on the back of the pads or the pads are worn down to the metal. Worth getting the wheels off for a look, I'd say.

RAZORGAMING · 26 Mar 2007 at 20:28

guessing powering on with the hand break on hasnt helped. If its worn to metal wouldnt it be more noticale than a squeek? Would it still stop me at high speed?

Real pain as i dont want to send her back into garage.. :rolleyes:

Vertigo · 26 Mar 2007 at 20:47

My brakes have started squealing a bit when braking a low speed just before coming to a halt. TBH I've never understood this "grease the back of the pad" business - surely the noise is generated by the pads against the disc itself?

Mogsy · 26 Mar 2007 at 20:55

Could be a number of things:

1) Worn pads

Modern break pads are fitted with "screecher" plates that make a screeching noise when the pads wear down enough for them to come into contact with the disc.

2) Sticking caliper piston

You might have some dust or grit stuck in a piston on a caliper causing it not to retract fully when the brakes are off.

3) Loose pad in the caliper

As mentioned, copper grease on the rear of the pads help to stop the noise if its due to them being loose in the caliper.

Is the noise coming from the front or rear?

Entai · 26 Mar 2007 at 21:08

Vertigo1 said:
My brakes have started squealing a bit when braking a low speed just before coming to a halt. TBH I've never understood this "grease the back of the pad" business - surely the noise is generated by the pads against the disc itself?

The squeak is generated by the vibration of the metal part of the brake pad against the metal of the brake piston.
That is why the anti squeal/squeak shims are put between these two parts.
If you look at some Ford pads (to mention one of the top of my head, I am sure there are others) they have large spring type clips that attach the pads to the pistons to stop this vibration from happening, although for peace of mind it is worth greasing these up well.

The friction material against the brake disc will not squeak, unless you have really roasted your pads to within an inch of their lives, so that the friction material has gone all burnt and hard, or you have worn them so far down they are metal to metal.

As to the OP you definately need to have a look at the rear brakes as by driving while leaving the handbrake on, you most likely have overheated the rear pads, and the friction material may well be brittle and hard compared to how they should be, this will reduce the braking effort they can withstand. In 99% of situations apart from some unwanted noise they will be ok, but when you come to really need them, in an emergency situation, there is a very slim chance the friction material could just break up completely and leave you with no rear brakes.

That alone is just a very good reason to have a look at the rear brakes and I would heartlily recommend replacement anyway, no matter what the coindition, for the small cost of a set of pads you have the peace of mind that they are fully functioning.