2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Intermittently squeely disc brakes

[rweis]

The OEM disc pads would squeel at just about every brake application. Finally I changed them, got tired of the squeel. Was very careful to make sure the place on the caliper where the new pad backing supports rode were clean and smooth. Put the pad retainer clips back on just as they were origionally.



Now at times, no pattern, sometimes just riding straight ahead, sometimes turning left or right the pads come in contact with the rotors (rotors were turned when I replaced the pads) and start a light squeel until I tap the brakes and it will stop squeeling. I do not want to warp a rotor because of a pad riding on the rotor.



New brakes have been on about 500 miles.



When I had the calipers apart I used caliper grease and greased the caliper pins.



I am going back into the brakes today or tommorrow prior to a 2500 mile trip to see if I can correct whatever the problem is.



Ideas?



Bob Weis

 

[R-N-R]

My front brakes were doing exactly what you described from the front end last year. I was lightly dragging the brake while driving through parks and campgrounds to eliminate the very annoying sound. When they turned your rotors, did they turn them all the way out to the edge? On a tip from a TDR member, cleaning the "crud ring" around the edge (both sides) of the rotors cured my squeal. I think it creates a harmonic.



Same symptoms with a slightly different and louder tone started from the rear this year. However this was caused by the left rear pad separating from the plate.

 

[rweis]

Had not thought of that for the fronts. I'll live with it for the trip starting thursday and try that when we get back (would have to get the front rotors off etc etc etc).



Thanks, any other ideas?



Bob Weis

 

[LHastings]

My did the same thing but I finally replaced the caliper. The problem never came back. By the way I replaced them with NAPA. That was over 75,000 miles ago.

 

[R-N-R]

Bob, I did not remove the front rotors or calipers on mine. There is about enough space to get two fingers with a piece of sand paper on the inside edge and enough room to get at the outside edge, just hold the paper and turn the hub. Not perfect, but better than listening to that squealing.



Have a good trip,

Bill