Brakes

[eric77777us]

I've noticed that when I first bought my used 99 BPA the breaks would hardly squeak, but now when I break at any speed above 20 they seem to squeak a bit, however the breaks themselves work fine. So do you think I just need to get new pads, or new shoes and pads?

[yogi_123rd]

The noise is due to the pads getting low. If the lining completely wears away, the noise will turn into a scraping metalic sound and your rotors will be scored. It's time for new pads.

[parkavenuechrome]

Could also just be break dust, which causes the squeek in all cars. If you haven't changed your brakes since 99 then its time for new ones most def.

[deadring]

i think temperature may play a role as well.. when colder climat comes, it's easier to break traction.. as rubber is less "grippy" on tarmac when cold...or tire quality as well..

[eric77777us]

ok thanks.

[parkavenuechrome]

Originally Posted by deadring

i think temperature may play a role as well.. when colder climat comes, it's easier to break traction.. as rubber is less "grippy" on tarmac when cold...or tire quality as well..

Deadring, were talking about brakes not tires.. hehehehe....

[Flatrater]

Have you ever listened to a train going down the tracks? If you notice the train wheels sometimes squeal. The cause of the train wheels squealing is the metal wheels running against the metal tracks.

Now how this relates to cars. Brake pads have metal content to them, the rotors are metal. Same thing as a train. Brake squeal is a normal condition and their is no cure for it.

Only other thing to cause a squeal is worn brakes where the wear indicator is rubbing the rotor.

[parkavenuechrome]

Originally Posted by Flatrater

Have you ever listened to a train going down the tracks? If you notice the train wheels sometimes squeal. The cause of the train wheels squealing is the metal wheels running against the metal tracks.

Now how this relates to cars. Brake pads have metal content to them, the rotors are metal. Same thing as a train. Brake squeal is a normal condition and their is no cure for it.

Only other thing to cause a squeal is worn brakes where the wear indicator is rubbing the rotor.

Flatrater is correct on what he said here. If your concerned about wear, just have the brakes checked.

[sublime4372]

I spent 6 years as a service manager for Toyota and we had this problem frequently. The problem is caused by the brake pads. They used to made with asbestos in them. This was the primary stopping agent of the pad. However recently it has been banned. You havent been able to insulate with asbestos for forever, but it was still allowed in pads.

Since it was banned though a substitute had to be found. What was found was carbon. So now the pads are laced with that instead of asbestos. As the pad wears down, there are pockets of carbon that are thicker than other places. When these pockets are reaced on the pad during wear squeaking will occur.

Sometimes at the begining of the brake, other times at the wery end. It just happens at random. Then sometimes, you can go for a few thousand miles with out a peep.

There are porclian pads on the market, that are quieter, but none can guarantee total silence.

Also beware of Midas's pads. While they are guaranteed for life to never wear out, they are almost 100% carbon. This heavy metal content will ruin rotors at least once a year (which ARE NOT warrantied).

Your best bet is to have your brakes cleaned and adjusted 15000 miles. This will ensure the longest life from them as well as keeping them clean from dust. Plus, it helps to have them back brakes doing their 30% worth of work as opposed to the 5-10% than unadjusted rears do. You should notice the pedal is a little higher and tighter after that.

Anyrate, the cheapest fix is to turn the radio up a little louder. Works everytime...