This article addresses a question commonly asked by car owners: “Why are my new brakes squeaking?”.
Faulty brakes are likely to produce squeaky noise for some reason when applied; what should you do if you hear squeaky noise, especially when you just got a new brake pad?
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.
The exciting part is that new brakes can also produce this squeaky sound. So, if you’re wondering, “Why are my new brakes squeaking? ” This article is for you.
In this article, I will explain the probable reasons your new brake pad is squeaking and how to fix it.
Why are my New Brakes Squeaking?
Brakes come in different brands and are of different quality; squeaky brakes indicate low-quality brake pads.
Aside from the noise pollution, it could also signify a possible collision 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 well as high-quality ones. This is primarily because of the large metal flakes embedded in the brake material, which frequently squeak when it comes to 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 escape this situation is to avoid low-budget brake pads and go for 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 a signal about 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 creates 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 build up build-ups that make the car look irregular, making it hard for new brake pads to fit.
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, your car will 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 made of the best material.
5. Insufficient lubrication
Cars equipped with drum braking systems usually encounter this issue, which can affect both new and old brake pads.
The pistons press against the drum braking, and if there’s Insufficient oil, it will make 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 will not last half the time 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 prevent them from accommodating the brake pads, you must 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 to 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 why you hear squeaky noise on new brake pads.
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