This article addresses a question commonly asked by car owners: “Why are my brakes squeaking after being replaced“.
Brakes are likely to produce squeaky noise for some reason when applied; what then should you do if you hear squeaky noise, especially when you just did a recent brake pad replacement?
This matter needs urgent attention, not necessarily because it will cause any effect but because of the unappealing noise it makes.
Before I proceed, faulty Brakes make three types of noise, a grinding noise when applied, a thumping noise when braking, a scraping sound when driving /braking, and a squeaky sound when driving or braking.
And the exciting part is that; new brakes can also produce this squeaky sound. So if you’re wondering, “Why are my brakes squeaking after replacement,” this article is for you.
In this article, I will show you probable reasons why your new brake pad is squeaking and how to fix it.
Why is my New Brake Replacement Squeaking?
Brakes come in different brands and quality; squeaky brakes indicate low-quality brake pads.
Aside from the noise pollution, it could also signify a possible Collison between the braking system.
Here are two main reasons why your new or old brake pads will produce squeaky sounds without applying brakes.
1. Cheap and Low-Quality Brake Pads
The most common cause of squeaking, even when the brakes are new, is inferior brake pads.
While the price might look cheap, they won’t be able to serve you as the high-quality ones would. This is primarily because of the large metal flakes embedded in the brake material, which frequently squeak when it touches the rotor.
In some cases, the noise will likely go away after some time but will come back due to rapid wear and tear, which will cause uneven brake pads.
The best way to get out of this situation is to avoid using low-budget brake pads on your car and instead go for the quality.
2. Brake Wear indicator making contact with the rotor
As time goes on, the brake pad becomes uneven and needs replacement. During installation, there’s a tiny metal attached to the brake pad, which relays signal on the condition of the brakes.
Once brake pad wear occurs, the brake Wear indicator will lose balance and start making contact with the rotor, which makes a rotational movement.
This, in turn, produces a squeaky Noise while driving and would likely go away if you apply the brakes
3. Grazed Rotors
Over time, the rotors can create build-ups that’ll make it look irregular, making it hard for new brake pads to fit in.
While you can get a rotor replacement, you can likely check if your mechanic can help resurface them.
If you forcefully install the new brake pads, it’ll cause your car to produce a squeaky sound due to friction between the two bodies.
This will also cause increased wear and tear on the new brake pads, but there is a temporary fix for that – Resurfacing.
4. The brake pads material
Semi-metallic brake pads are the best choice for car owners, we also have ceramic brake pads which work perfectly for some cars, but it produces lots of noise.
So to eliminate squeaky noises in your car, get a brake pad with the best material.
5. Insufficient lubrication
Cars equipped with the drum braking system usually encounter this issue, and new and old brake pads can be affected.
The pistons press against the drum braking, and if there’s Insufficient oil, it’ll give out a squeaking sound.
You can resolve this by applying brake lubricant to the affected point, the backing plate.
How to Stop Brakes from Squeaking?
The recommended way to stop new brakes from squeaking is to install high-quality brake pads or replace worn-out uneven brake pads(if that’s the case).
Let’s get to the details of these fixes.
1. Always install High-Quality Brake Pads
Avoid using cheap and Low-Quality Brake Pads on your car; while they are cost-friendly, they won’t serve you half the period a quality brake pad will.
High-quality brake pads will also boost your morale on the highway since inferior brake pads could fail anytime.
2. Rotor Resurfacing or Replacement
If your rotors have developed irregularities that’ll make them not accommodate the brake pads, then it’s essential that you either resurface or replace them.
A rotor can last between 50,000 to 70,000 miles before a mandatory replacement can be required.
The Resurfacing can be done manually by applying sandpaper on the irregular surface to remove metal build-up.
3. Brake Pads Replacement
Another fix to a squeaking noise while driving without applying brakes is to replace worn-out brake pads.
Do change your brake pads for minimum wear after running between 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
That’s all about why your breaks are squeaking after being replaced.
Why are my new brake pads squeaking?
If your new brakes are squeaking, it’s probably because they’re inferior or made with cheap materials that aren’t metallic. The squeaking sound might stop after continuous usage in some cases.
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