brakes squealing, I'm stumped.

[swrobbie]

I have a 1999 GAGT with 80k miles on it and recently changed the brake pads on all 4 wheels. I purchased the "premium" brake pads from a local shop and had them turn the rotors as well. Now when I drive, the brakes squeal if I turn the wheel slightly right or left. If I stay straight, no squeal. If I touch the brake pedal, no squeal. I had a friend, who is a mechanic at a GM dealer, flush the entire system. I'm not sure where to look next. I can't detect any grinding, so I'm ruling out the bearings. Before I changed the pads I did have the ABS and Low Trac lights coming on intermittently. They would always reset on the next startup. Any suggestions? Thanks, Steve

[Chazman]

Did you put any disc brake lube, or anti-squeal compound on the back of the pads when you installed them ??

[swrobbie]

The pads came with anti-rattle shims already on them. I didn't think the anti-squeal compound was neccessary.

[Hoags]

Sometimes the anti-squeal shims don't work, you may want to go ahead an get some on the pads. Right now that would seem to be the cheapest way to check things. you'll have more time than money involved.

Just a thought,

[civilian24]

hey,

Brakes on the Grand am from what i heard from others and in my 2001 Grand am Gt will always give u problems. I have little squiking and noise from mine ..but i manged to deal with it since i have taken it in and nothing seems to be wrong...(just turn up the monsoon). Anyways about the e-brake light and ABs light come on also...when stopping on wet surfaces, it will reset when you turn the ignition back on, I havn't got fixed because it only occurs on very sudden stops...If you find out what seems to be the deal t would be great input..ty

[Forkliftguy]

When I did my brakes at the end of last year (premium pads from CDN Tire, '01 GA SE), I had the same problem for about two months until all the new stuff was well broken in. It was very irritating, it was very quiet squeal. All you'd hear is eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, and it was tad louder when applying the brakes while backing up. It did go away though. Just a pad issue, my brakes are in tip top shape.

Marc

[swrobbie]

Well, the anti-squeal compound did the trick. Thanks to Hoag and Chazman for knowing where to look. I still have a slight squeal at low speeds, but I think it's in the rear wheels or due to a glaze on the new pads. It's just a chirp, chirp, chirp instead of the constant, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

It makes one wonder what you are buying when a brake and muffler shop sells you "premium" pads and it still requires anti-squeal compound along with the anti-squeal shims on the pad. Next time I'll spend more than $40.