Tips to Prevent
Brake Squeal
TopClass md, Richard Pinard
Fitment Centre Feature - top class topics
Most of us would prefer to own a vehicle that provides utmost quietness while driving. Brake squeal is undoubtedly
annoying. Imagine driving your car out to work, with the brakes squealing away nonstop. Not only frustrating, it may
be worrisome to some people, as they fear that something may be wrong with their brakes and their vehicle might
not be safe to drive. In fact, brake squeal is caused by a combination of factors that create noise.
L
et us study a few
ways how DJ PARTS
can help you prevent
annoying brake noise from
occurring.
Most brake squeal is caused
by loose-fitting pads in the
anchor bracket. Do ensure
that if there is anti-rattle
hardware left on the calipers
during removal of the pads,
they should be transferred to
the new pads and installed to
ensure proper performance of
the brakes.
The discs
It is crucial that the disc
be free of mud and other
road debris to prevent any
generation of brake noise,
thus it should be kept wellcleaned at all times. Debris
must also be cleared out of
the caliper and the vented
slots in the discs should be
cleaned as well. DJ PARTS
offers the Brake Parts Cleaner that has
been specially formulated to ensure a
quick and fuss-free solution.
Failure to do so may cause disc “run
out”, which will eventually cause the
pad’s friction material to be transferred
to the disc surface. Eventually, this leads
to brake squeal due to extreme variance
in the disc thickness. Debris can also
be caught between the pads and dics
causing the foreign particular to “scratch”
the discs and further increase braking
noises.
When replacing brake pads, it is advisable
to replace or re-machine the brake discs.
As during the life of the brake pads, it
would cause an uneven surface across
the face of the brake disc. If new pads are
being installed onto a worn brake disc, it
can cause irregular brake operation and
squeaking.
Quieting the
calipers
If new discs are required to be installed,
the surface between the disc and axle
flange should be cleaned to ensure
proper operation. (If performed wrongly,
it would cause the disc to wobble on
the axel and result in the shaking of
the steering wheel when the brakes are
applied.) As new discs are manufactured
with a protective film over the surface
to prevent rusting, it can be removed
with the DJ PARTS Brake Parts Cleaner
before installation. (You may experience a
minor amount of smoke from the wheels
during first usage which is normal. Once
bedding-in is complete, such smoke will
not occur again.)
Cleaning and lubricating the
caliper mounts also helps to
dampen vibrations to silence
the brakes. Vibrations of such could
be caused by worn or loose mounts or
mounting hardware. Re-check the caliper
slides to ensure there is no bind and that
the caliper moves freely back and forth
on the cal iper slides.
Proper Pad “Bedding in” is
vital
It is important to avoid excessive heating
or hard use when the pads are new as it
may cause brake pad glazing which may
prevent proper bedding-in. Following
the bed-in procedures provided by
the vehicle manufacturer will assure a
smooth, even surface on the disc, which
in turn minimises brake judders.
Shaky Pads
If pads do not fit snugly in the anchor
bracket, it would lead to brake squeal.
Always ensure the anchor bracket is not
worn out, and that the pads fit tightly.
Proper lug nut torque
Always use a calibrated torque wrench
and look up to the proper wheel torque
for the vehicle you are working on.
For more information on the DJ Parts, contact Richard Pinard on 011 974 1444, or email [email protected]