Stupid Squeaky Brakes!

GPGuy · August 25, 2010

Ok here's my story.

So I take my truck in for this squeak that I get just as I come to a stop. Very annoying. So they "braze" them, which is basically taking a layer off of the pads, which works for a bit and it comes back.

Take it in again and this time they replace the pads. Works for a couple thousand miles and it's back again.

Back to the dealer.

They replace the pads again and same scenario as above.

Is there anything else aside from the pads that could be causing this? Rotors? I don't know that I've ever heard the rotors causing this but I'm getting really tired of this.

Zembonez · August 25, 2010

Ok here's my story.
So I take my truck in for this squeak that I get just as I come to a stop. Very annoying. So they "braze" them, which is basically taking a layer off of the pads, which works for a bit and it comes back.

Take it in again and this time they replace the pads. Works for a couple thousand miles and it's back again.

Back to the dealer.

They replace the pads again and same scenario as above.

Is there anything else aside from the pads that could be causing this? Rotors? I don't know that I've ever heard the rotors causing this but I'm getting really tired of this.

Buy you a set of high quality ceramic pads. Problem solved. I've done it on several trucks and been extremely pleased.

GPGuy · August 25, 2010

Ok here's my story.
So I take my truck in for this squeak that I get just as I come to a stop. Very annoying. So they "braze" them, which is basically taking a layer off of the pads, which works for a bit and it comes back.

Take it in again and this time they replace the pads. Works for a couple thousand miles and it's back again.

Back to the dealer.

They replace the pads again and same scenario as above.

Is there anything else aside from the pads that could be causing this? Rotors? I don't know that I've ever heard the rotors causing this but I'm getting really tired of this.

Buy you a set of high quality ceramic pads. Problem solved. I've done it on several trucks and been extremely pleased.

Any particular brand?

Zembonez · August 25, 2010

The last set I bought was Advance Auto Parts premium offering. They have worked great! Like you , I hated the brake squeal of OEM heavy metallic pads.

KMGZ400 · August 25, 2010

Ok here's my story.
So I take my truck in for this squeak that I get just as I come to a stop. Very annoying. So they "braze" them, which is basically taking a layer off of the pads, which works for a bit and it comes back.

Take it in again and this time they replace the pads. Works for a couple thousand miles and it's back again.

Back to the dealer.

They replace the pads again and same scenario as above.

Is there anything else aside from the pads that could be causing this? Rotors? I don't know that I've ever heard the rotors causing this but I'm getting really tired of this.

i have the same problem on my GMT800 and its driving me crazy. im probably going to stay away from GM pads and rotors and get NAPA parts.

GPGuy · August 25, 2010

It drives me nuts. It has to be the pads because I mean 3 sets can't be bad. I'll have to see what I can find if I do end up keeping the truck come October.

r1byker · August 25, 2010

I've never had GM brakes squeak and I've owned lots of GM cars. Maybe they're not putting the anti-squeal compound on the backs of the pads? I'm just guessing.

jblakeney · August 25, 2010

I have been installing brakes for a long time. I use no such wonderful compounds or glues or disc brake quite additives. They are not needed. And they did not do it on the assembly line....

Premium pads and rotors are you best choice. I.e. you get what you pay for. Premium pads come with all the shims and lubricant for the guide pins.

Step By steps....

1. Purchase new pads and Rotors (or have old ones turned). Also, purchase 1 or 2 cans of Brake cleaner.

2. Remove all wheels from truck.

3. Flush brake system with fresh clean brake fluid.

4. Remove caliper and depress piston backwards in to the caliper body, fully.

5. Remove caliper bracket.

6. Remove rotor and replace with new (or here is where you get the rotors turned and replace them on the truck)

7. Remove guide pins from caliper and wash pins and caliper slide areas.

8. Lubricate guide pins and replace in caliper.

9. Wash rotor with brake clean on both sides.

10. Remount caliper bracket.

11. Wash with brake clean the brake pads.

12. Place brake pads in caliper bracket.

13. Remove and Replace, old shims from calipers.

14. Replace caliper on bracket.

15. Wash brake rotor and caliper once again. DO NOT TOUCH rotor or pads after you have done the final wash.

Do the other side (i.e. repeat 4 - 15 on the other side).

Replace all wheels and torque lugs to 140 ft lbs.

No, sticky, oooozy, gummy, yucky, crap need to make your brakes quite.

I install NAPA UP - _ _ _ _ - X pads as my first choice. Second OE Pads. The NAPA UP - _ _ _ _ - X are, NAPA premium ceramic pads. If you do much towing you may want to consider putting metallic pads on to help keep the brakes from squealing (UP - _ _ _ _ - M).

Don't forget to bed in your brakes in afterwords.

Bring the vehicle up to 30 mph and using light brake pedal pressure bring the vehicle speed down to 10 mph or so. Not a complete stop. Repeat process 10 times. In between stops drive a minute or so.

Bring the vehicle up to 55 come and using light brake pedal pressure bring the vehicle speed down to 10 mph or so. Again not a complete stop. Repeat 5 or more times. Drive a minute or so in between stops.

Drive home park and let set a couple hours. You have just completed the bed in cycle. Remember the first 1000 miles on new brakes take it easy. Give them a chance to break in slowly.

Jbo

MacA · August 25, 2010

I have been installing brakes for a long time. I use no such wonderful compounds or glues or disc brake quite additives. They are not needed. And they did not do it on the assembly line....

Nice write-up Jeremy...THANKS!!

RandyD123 · August 25, 2010

In most cases, squeeky brakes can be eliminated by switching rotors from side to side. But if you are going to go that far I would wait until I needed a brake job. If you are replacing the rotors then it doesn't matter.

GPGuy · August 26, 2010

Thanks for the write up Jeremy!

In most cases, squeeky brakes can be eliminated by switching rotors from side to side. But if you are going to go that far I would wait until I needed a brake job. If you are replacing the rotors then it doesn't matter.

Switching the rotors from one side to the other eh? I was kinda wondering if that might work but I really wasn't sure. Maybe I can convince the dealership to do it considering it's still under warranty.