Maxima Break Squeak

[JimKer]

Hi, I'd love some advice if anyone cares to offer any. I have a 2003 Maxima. I changed the breaks last year and there's still plenty of depth to the pads (not even half way worn yet). I've been changing breaks for about 10 years now and never had the following problem: after I changed the pads/discs, one of the pads/discs was generating a high pitched squeaking noise. I tried identifying which wheel it was (though that can be difficult) and replaced the disc again on that wheel (thinking maybe the new one was warped), but the squeak persisted. I waited it out and it went a way after a few weeks. But now it's been back for a month or so. I went to change them again and found that the pads aren't even half worn yet. So there's some contact occurring with the disk (I'd assume). Could my slide bolts need to be lubricated? I supose the caliper could be blow, but then I'd expect uneven wear (which I see no evidence of). It's particularly prevalent when driving the car first thing after it's been sitting for a while. Thanks in advance for anyone's advice.

[BeZerK2112]

What type of pads and rotors are you putting on? You may aleady know that different brands a brake pads are made out of different components. Many life time warranty brake pads use harder components that often cause squeeling and squeeking when you use the brakes. THey come and go, sometimes lasting months at a time, until that area of the pad is warn down enough that the squeeling stops. It the squeeling is persistant, even when not braking, you may have an entirly different problem. Hope this helps!

[JimKer]

Thanks. I'm using the "cheap" pads (yep, lifetime warrenty). But they're the kind I always use in almost every break job. Actaully, the squeaking occours when I'm NOT breaking. When I hit the breaks, it stops. Does that make any sense?

[Nahkapohjola]

...yes, typical on stuck calipers.

Raise wheel and rotate, should turn freely. If not, correct...
- caliper may be worn, stuck (typically only after '10yrs'), lube rails, piston, it helps -
read http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/18
- hbrake cable stuck (bent?) and keeps brakes dragging. Tst by drawing the cable, that should loose it.

[JimKer]

Thank you very much. This (and the recommended website) are VERY helpful. I appreciate it.

[SuperStock96]

Damned cheap pads. I always have used Hawks and when I need someone else to do it while I was on the road, I got tthe cheapies installed. Now it squeals everywhere I go.