What Household Products Can I Use on Noisy Brakes?
As with any new or unusual sound noticed when driving a vehicle, squeals from the brakes should be investigated to learn if that indicates a mechanical problem. Under no circumstances should any household product ever be used to attempt to address any noise emanating from a vehicle’s braking apparatus.
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Nothing to Worry About
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Brake pads used to be made with a fair amount of asbestos fiber in their formulation. Since the mid-1990s, as a result of both environmental and health concerns, the practice has all but ceased. A number of metals have taken the place of the asbestos, so pads now are semi-metallic. Braking, therefore, involves a metal-to-metal contact, and most such contact makes a loud squealing noise under certain conditions. This noise is more likely to be heard at normal driving speeds under medium braking; high humidity and cold mornings are exacerbating factors. Small cars are more susceptible than larger vehicles. These noises are not causes for concern.
On vehicles that have not been used in a while, especially those stored outside, it is not uncommon for a trace of corrosion to form on the rotors. For the first few times the vehicle is braked after such a hiatus, a grinding noise may issue from the brakes. Again, this is not a cause for concern.
Problems
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Some manufacturers build a metal tab into their pads specifically to make a loud warning squeal as an indication the pads need to be replaced. The tabs are properly called “wear indicators,” and are designed not to damage the rotors. When the pads reach a predetermined wear level, typically around 1/4 inch, the tab comes into contact with the rotor; the warning noise tells the driver that service is required. The warning sound typically can be heard when the brakes are not in use, and goes away when the brake pedal is pressed.
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Interpretation
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Regardless of vehicle and brake pad manufacturer, some factors are constants in indicating mechanical problems exist that must be diagnosed and corrected. A failure or less-than-optimum performance in the brake caliper mechanism, a warped or otherwise damaged rotor, or a defective pad all set up a harmonic vibration that is experienced by the human ear as a squealing noise. Rotors can distort and, in extreme cases, crack under high temperatures. In some cases, they can be refinished, a process known as “turning.” A problem with a caliper or pad almost invariably necessitates component replacement. Worn calipers can result in the pads loosely fitting on the rotor, causing a squeal, and a missing spring or anti-rattle clip causes a clattering noise even when the brakes are not applied. All these symptoms should be investigated.
Remedies
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Dampness and trace corrosion on the rotors wear off within a few stops; neither issue requires attention. Worn pads and calipers must be replaced. Warped rotors must be replaced or turned on specialist equipment. Missing parts must be replaced before the vehicle is driven again. None of these issues can or should be addressed with the use of any household product. The application of any sort of lubricant or cleaning fluid to any part of the braking system can be extremely dangerous. Never use any household chemical to attempt to treat a noisy brake.
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References
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