Brake Noise

wmorgan518 · May 1, 2009

I have a 2004 Sierra Z71. Several months back the brakes started squealing so I took it to a shop and they turned the front rotors and replaced the pads. Noise didn't stop so I took it to another shop who told me the rear pads needed to be replaced so I did that too. Noise still didn't stop so I tried yet another shop and they said the only thing they could think of was to turn the front rotors again. Still didn't stop the noise so now I'm wondering what to do next.

Zembonez · May 1, 2009

I have a 2004 Sierra Z71. Several months back the brakes started squealing so I took it to a shop and they turned the front rotors and replaced the pads. Noise didn't stop so I took it to another shop who told me the rear pads needed to be replaced so I did that too. Noise still didn't stop so I tried yet another shop and they said the only thing they could think of was to turn the front rotors again. Still didn't stop the noise so now I'm wondering what to do next.

At this point I think I'd consider the possibility that it isn't a brake noise. Seems like you'd be able to tell if it was coming from the front or the back.

Maybe give us a better description of the noise and when it happens? Not may clues in your first post there.

Welcome to the ZOO!

wmorgan518 · May 1, 2009

Its a brake squeal like you hear on a lot of cars, when it first started I assumed it was coming from the front pads so I had the pads replaced. I went and picked up the truck and nothing changed so i drove it with someone standing next to it and discovered it was from the rear so I took it to another shop and they suggested replacing the rear pads. Once again nothing changed so my dad took it to another shop while I was out of town and they told him the front rotors should be turned. As I expected, nothing changed from that. It's definitely the brakes, it only happens when I hit the brakes. It doesn't happen when I very lightly tap the brakes nor does it happen when Im hard on the brakes its only the in-between area.

txab · May 1, 2009

What brand and type of pads are you using?

Zembonez · May 1, 2009

With the update in description, I'd bet they used metallic pads. I had hell with metallic pads every time I ever used them. Finally went to ceramic pads and the problems disappeared.

wmorgan518 · May 1, 2009

I've thought about going with the Duralast Gold cmax pads or something similar. Any thoughts? What brand ceramic did you go with and did it get rid of the noise?

C & A s Dad · May 1, 2009

Will,

Please do your homework before buying Duralast Pads.

I would highly recommend Akebono Pro Act pads. If you buy them from us (CARQUEST) you would want to ask for our PCD Premium Gold line by Akebono. NAPA also sell Akebono. They are expensive but are absolutely a premium product. I can also tell you Wagner Thermoquiet pads are very quiet and smooth but are not known for their longevity.

If you decide to change the pads again, either have the rotors turned again or replace them. Be sure they are turned by someone who you are sure knows what they are doing. Many shops and Auto Parts stores will put their greenest guy on a Brake Lathe. The wrong guy on a lathe can cause a lot of issues. The rotors should be cleaned with alcohol just before you put the calipers back on and be sure the claiper bolts and slides are lubed with caliper grease.

If the job is done correctly with the pads I suggested, your brake noise will go away.

Zembonez · May 1, 2009

I have Akebono ceramics on my Explorer but I have no idea what type. 55K since they were changed, no noise, and I am not even halfway through the pads. I don't think they are more expensive in the long run.

txab · May 1, 2009

With the update in description, I'd bet they used metallic pads. I had hell with metallic pads every time I ever used them. Finally went to ceramic pads and the problems disappeared.

That's what I'm figgerin' is the prob.