If My Brakes Are New, Why Do They Still Squeal?

It can be caused by various factors, such as the quality, installation, and condition of the brake components, as well as the environmental factors.

Brake squeal is a common and annoying problem that can affect any vehicle, even if the brakes are new. Brake squeal is a high-pitched noise that occurs when the brake pads contact the brake rotors. In this article, we will explain why new brakes still squeal and how to fix it.

What Causes New Brakes to Squeal?

There are several possible reasons why new brakes squeal, such as:

• Glazed brake pads: Glazing is a process where the brake pad surface becomes hard and shiny due to excessive heat or improper bedding. Glazed brake pads can reduce the friction and cause noise and poor braking performance.
• Low-quality brake pads: Cheap or poorly made brake pads may have lower-quality materials and construction, which can result in more noise and vibration. Low-quality brake pads may also wear out faster and produce more dust.
• Improper installation: If the brake pads are not installed correctly, they may not fit flush against the brake rotors, which can create gaps and uneven pressure. Improper installation can also cause damage to the brake components, such as warping, cracking, or scoring.
• Worn or uneven brake rotors: Even if the brake pads are new, they may still squeal if the brake rotors are worn or uneven. Worn or uneven brake rotors can create hot spots and reduce the contact area between the pads and the rotors.

• Humidity: Moisture can also cause brake squeal, especially in humid or rainy conditions. Moisture can create a thin layer of rust on the brake rotors, which can interfere with the friction and cause noise.

How to Fix New Brake Squeal?

If your new brakes squeal, you should have them checked by a trained mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. Depending on the cause of the squeal, you may need to:

• Clean the brake components: Sometimes, brake squeal can be solved by simply cleaning the brake pads and rotors with a brake cleaner spray or a mild detergent. Cleaning can remove any dust, dirt, grease, or rust that may cause noise.
• Apply anti-squeal compound: Anti-squeal compound is a special paste that can be applied between the brake pads and the calipers to reduce noise and vibration. Anti-squeal compound can also help prevent glazing and corrosion.
• Replace low-quality brake pads: If your brake pads are of low quality or not compatible with your vehicle, you may want to upgrade them to higher-quality ones that have better materials and design. Higher-quality brake pads can offer better performance, durability, and noise reduction.
• Resurface or replace worn or uneven brake rotors: If your brake rotors are worn or uneven, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced. Resurfacing is a process where a machine grinds off a thin layer of metal from the rotor surface to make it smooth and even. Replacing is a process where you install new rotors that match your vehicle's specifications.
• Bed in your brakes properly: Bedding in is a process where you establish a proper mating surface between the brake pads and rotors by performing a series of controlled stops. Bedding in can help transfer an even layer of friction material onto the rotor surface, which can improve braking performance and reduce noise.

Conclusion

Brake squeal is not only annoying but also potentially dangerous, as it can indicate a problem with your braking system. If your new brakes squeal, you should not ignore it but find out the cause and fix it as soon as possible. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new brakes perform well and last long. Remember that brakes are one of the most important components of your vehicle's safety and performance, so don't neglect them or compromise on their quality.

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