Squeaky brakes!
Is there anything worse than trying to sneak out of a campground first thing in the morning, with brakes screeching and squealing?
Over the weekend I was staying in a campground in Byron Bay, I tried to sneak out at 5am for an early surf before the crowd and I am fairly certain I woke up all of Northern NSW. Not only did I not get the uncrowded surf I was hoping for, or the most popular camper award in the campground but I was now also worried I was going to have to do the four-hour drive home with dodgy brakes.
But alas, calling in sick because I had squeaky brakes and needed to stay on holiday wasn’t going to fly with the boss. It turns out, that although noisy brakes are a big concern for most people, it can in fact be normal.
Squeaking brakes are one of the most common noise complaints from car owners. Sometimes the reason behind this high pitched, head turning symphony is worn out brake pads. If you have not been sticking to service intervals and suspect that it could be worn brake pads, it is recommended that you or your mechanic check them as soon as possible. Brake pads should be checked every 10, 000 Km’s.
However, worn pads are not always the reason. Modern brakes use a cast iron disc squeezed between two brake pads lined with friction material. Pads that have not achieved a 90% surface area contact with the disc will always squeal. This is due to vibration. Brake squeal is basically just high frequency vibration. With vibrations possible between the pads and rotors, pads and calipers or the calipers and mounts, it’s easy to understand why the squeal is so common.
So if you’ve got squeaky brakes, and are sure it’s not worn out pads you have two choices. Let the squeak live and use it as a means to let every one in your street know when you are coming and going or you can silence the squeak with these steps.
1. Check for lose parts – Try wiggling the brake pad, calipers, and other brake components. They should not move with just your hands.
2. Replace any clips that may be missing or damaged. If you’re not sure how to tell or do this, it may be better to see your mechanic.
3. There are a few products on the market made to reduce brake noise. Visit your local auto supply store to find out more.
4. Try different brake pad material. Again speak to your mechanic if you are unsure how to go about this.
5. Check the brake rotor or drum for scoring, grooving, or other wear. An irregular brake rotor or drum surface can cause the brake pad to jump and chatter in the brake assembly and caliper.
(Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Noisy-Brakes)
If you’re squealing with every stop, and need some advice on what to do next feel free to give one of our friendly service techs a call on 5451 0433.