11 Nov 11 Disc Break Pads

Repair Outline: Disc Break Pads

Problem: Disc Breaks Squeal

Some disc brake pads have wear sensors. When the pads wear down, the sensor starts touching the rotor causing a high-pitched squeal. The solution to this problem is to replace the pads immediately, before the meal wear sensors damage the rotors. When pads without wear sensors wear down to nothing, the metal backing on the pads begins wearing away the rotors with a grinding noise when the brakes are applied. When this happens, expect to replace the rotors as well as the pads. If the damage is mild, you may get away with having them resurfaced. To avoid damage to your disc brake rotors, check your pads every 10,000 miles.

If you have a damaged rotor, resurface or replace both sides at once. Keep them matched.

Sometimes, brakes squeal for no obvious reason. When rebuilding brakes, be sure to clean any rust from sliding metal surfaces and make sure all anti-rattle springs and other parts are installed. Anti-squeal compound may also help. If you’ve taken every precaution and the brakes still squeal, try a different brand of pads.