annoying problem with brakes, suggestions??

ok i've had this problem with my front brakes off and on. theres a sqeaking sound when i drive until about 35 mph. and it stops the second i touch my brakes, but then comes back and it'll do this more times than not. but it started happening worse last week when i had my tire taken off and plugged from a hole. the shop had trouble taking off the wheel cuz the lugs are two different sizes. but i've checked and the pads still have plenty of depth and the indicators are plenty far from the rotors. i'd bring it in but im a poor college kid. any ideas would be appreciated thanks

i had your same problem once, new pads fixed the problem, i understand your current pads are still good, mine were still good too, practically new even, but i put new ones on anyways and it hasnt squeaked since

welcome to the world of cavalier brakes, (thats what i was told back then)

thanks one question you think it could be from the brand of brake purchased? i have the lower quality ones on right now, think higher quality would make a difference in that too.

thanks one question you think it could be from the brand of brake purchased? i have the lower quality ones on right now, think higher quality would make a difference in that too.yeah im sure having a cheaper brand brake could have something to do with it. like jake said try buying some good ones and throwing them in there.

im actually not sure on that one, i would assume yes, but the new pads i put on only costed $17, and they've been perfect,

heres something i found after a bit of searching:

Sometimes, through heat, the outer most edges or the brake pad curl, ever so slightly, which can cause a squeal. Also the brake pad can glaze over, also heat induced, producing a mirror like finish. This causes the pad to be do hard for the rotor causing a squeal also.
You can try removing the brake pads and checking for this. If you have either 2, get some 120 grit sandpaper and first sand the surface area of the brake pad, then sand all edges on a 45 degree angle. When putting back together make sure to use a good silocone lube.

im actually not sure on that one, i would assume yes, but the new pads i put on only costed $17, and they've been perfect,

heres something i found after a bit of searching:

Sometimes, through heat, the outer most edges or the brake pad curl, ever so slightly, which can cause a squeal. Also the brake pad can glaze over, also heat induced, producing a mirror like finish. This causes the pad to be do hard for the rotor causing a squeal also.
You can try removing the brake pads and checking for this. If you have either 2, get some 120 grit sandpaper and first sand the surface area of the brake pad, then sand all edges on a 45 degree angle. When putting back together make sure to use a good silocone lube.this is good to know. thanks for the info jake.:)

your new post jake might have just answered my question, i just got home two min ago when i noticed the sqeak occured when the car was off and in park. i am parked on a little slope but enough to make the car roll back when put into park and i noticed a sqeak so i rocked the car back and fourth by pushing the bumper and it would sqeak. im gonna assume the eges stick out. i really appreciate that last post thanks

your brakes are crystalized... it happens when you old brakes are replaced and the rotors and the surrounding area is not cleaned before the new brakes are installed.try spraying down your brake pads, rotors and the hub area with brake cleaner and let it dry..if that doesnt work then change your brakes. but before you change them do clean the entire area with brake cleaner BEFORE you install the new ones.

Sanding the surface won't penetrate the glaze that builds up on the pad/rotor surface.

Have your rotors "turned". If beyond specs, replace them. Install new quality semi-metallic pads and have done with it.

i would even say if you had to replace them just get the OEM sized cross drilled and slotted rotors...be about the same price of replacing them or having them turned... and the cross drilled and slotted rotors are a much better upgrade for your braking system.