What Do Squeaky Brakes Mean?
Braking systems for automobiles are engineered so that the various components work in concert to provide a consistent braking performance. Many anti-lock brakes are also equipped with a system for alerting the vehicle's operator when the brakes are in need of repair or replacement. Squeaking brakes can be a sign of one or more of the components being in disrepair. At the first audible alert from your brakes, inspect the system to determine the necessary repairs.
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Water on the Brakes
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The brake components require adequate lubrication to function properly. If the brakes are submerged for a prolong period of time, the lubrication can be dissolved from the components. During braking, the moving parts of the system will move against each other, unprotected by the lubrication resulting in a high-pitched squeal.
Remove the wheels from the vehicle, disassemble the brake caliper from the rotor and apply lubrication to the back of the brake pads and the piston(s) located inside the caliper.
New Brake Pads
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Newly installed brake pads will have a protective coating that preserves the pads while they are stored. When the surface of the new pads come in contact with the brake rotor during breaking, the coating will cause the brakes to emit a squeaking sound during braking. The sound will only be evident during the first few miles of driving and should not be taken as a sign of any damage or other concern for the brakes.
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Oil on the Rotors
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The brake rotors are metal discs connected to the steering arm of the wheel assembly. When shipped for purchase, the rotors are protected by an anti-corrosive oil. The oil should be completely removed from every surface of the rotor before the rotor is installed. If the oil is not removed, the brakes will squeal during breaking until the brake pads can wear away the layer of packing oil.
Braking with the oil still on the rotors will also result in smoking from the brakes. Squeaking and smoke from the brake could be indication of more serious damage of the brake components, so inspect the brakes thoroughly. Clean the brake rotors with brake parts cleaner and wipe the excess cleaner and oil from the disc before re-installing it.
Worn Brake Pads
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Brake pads are constructed with built-in indicators to alert the driver when the pads are in need of replacement. The indicators are metal clips that are revealed through the brake pad material once the pads have reached a critical level of wear. The clips will scrape the rotors, causing the squeak, to tell you that it is time to replace the brake pads.
If you fail to replace the brake pads in a timely manner once the squeaking is heard, the indicators will gouge the rotor's surface and lead to a much more expensive and involved repair process later.
Recommended Lubricants and cleaners
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Use a copper-based anti-seize lubricant for the bolts of the brake assembly. The caliper pins and caliper bracket bolts should be lubricated before retuning them to the sockets of the brake parts. Brake parts cleaner (or other degreasers) is recommended for use in cleaning the rotor and other parts of the brakes. Wipe the excess cleaner from the parts before replacing them. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or other debris while maintaining the brakes. Clean the wheel bolts, the steering arm and the caliper to ensure a smooth and quite brake operation.
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References
- Photo Credit Car Brake image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com
