Squealing brakes

I changed the pads, and had the rotors turned on my '03 TB about 2 weeks ago. Since then, they have developed an ear-peircing squeal when stopping the truck. Did I do something wrong, or do I just need to apply some anti-squeal goo to the backs of the pads? Thanks

Were they properly bedded (broken in)? Bendix recommends a 30-30-30 rule. 30 light stops from 30mph with 30 seconds in between. Obviously hardly anyone actually does it, but it's a good rule to try to do. If you went out and started hammering the brakes, the resin in the pads bakes to the surface without fully curing.

Also, a lot of GM trucks--TB included--use ceramic pads (a bit pricier but worth it), so if you had your's done at some discount shop, they probably put substandard pads on--my friend learned this trick the hard way.

They way my wife drives, the break-in could very well be the problem. She tends to lay on the brakes a lot. The pads I put in there were semi-metallic, I believe. Could that be the problem?

Both GM and the TireRack recommend ceramic pads.

Check out this warning:
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/results.jsp?category=Pads&scat=Pads&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoModel=TrailBlazer+4wd&autoModClar=&autoYear=2002&brand=all&x=47&y=9

My friend had metallic pads put on his '98 Chevy 1500 and had all sorts of problems (squealing, smoking, fade, etc.). As a result, I have never personally, made this error on any of my trucks.

As far as the 30-30-30 rule, check out the July 2004 issue of Car Craft magazine.

I also used to own an '84 BMW 633csi and no longer believe in turning rotors. I always replace mine--now especially since I had read (perhaps in a related article above) that newer vehicles tend to run softer rotors to combat squealing--the machining inevitably leads to warping (reduced material).

:2cents:

Thanks very much, you have been very helpful.

I have the same problem, I put all new pads and rotors around my TB and it squeals so loud sometimes it is embarrasing. all ceramic pads and it has been over 2 months since replaced and still squealing.. any ideas??

For what ever reason, some pad/rotor combinations will do this on certain cars. Did your pads come with backing shims (to absorb noise)?? Sometimes you can get it to stop by buttering up the pad backs with silicone grease & slathering a bead of silicone grease around the caliper pistons and boots. I've had good luck with the napa ceramics with the stick-on shims. No noise.

G/luck
Joel

I have tried two different sets of pads and still have an ear deafening squeal at times. What is funny about it is I can make it go away by applying more pressure to the peddle. they seem to have a range of where they squeal. if I put on a little pressure they squeal, apply just a little more and they stop squealing.



I am going to put on new sliders this weekend and see if that helps it.

Yes, clean slide covers are a must. If they are in good shape, you can clean up the slide covers with a scotch brite pad and silicone spray. You also need to have some silicone grease between the mating surface of the pad backs & calipers. If you dont, you will get noise.

Joel