It can be embarrassing if your brakes squeak or squeal every time you use them. We get that here at Midwest Auto Care. The problem is there something wrong. Your brakes should be silent when you use them. The only time they should squeal is when they are wet or if you must slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Other than that, your brakes squeaking all the time can be an indication of one or more of the problems listed below.
Broken Anti-Rattle Clips
Pad stays are attached by anti-rattle clips to the calipers to keep the brake pads attached to the calipers. This keeps everything smooth while you brake. If one or more of the anti-rattle clips have broken, the brake pads on those wheels will squeal because they are vibrating. Usually, the only thing that needs to be done to fix the problem is to replace the anti-rattle clips.
Low Brake Pad Depths
Squeaking or squealing brakes also indicate that your brake pad depths are too low. Once the brake pads reach 1/4-of-an-inch, they need to be replaced. Your brake pads may be fitted with an indicator that is designed to make noise such as squealing to alert you that the brake pads need to be replaced. The brake pads can also make the squealing noise on their own when there isn’t enough surface left.
No Brake Pad Insulation
Brake pad insulation is installed in your brake system when your vehicle is assembled. The brake pad insulation must be changed every time you have your brake pads changed. Failure to change the brake pad insulation will cause the brakes to squeal and squeak all the time because the insulation’s job is to prevent these noises from happening.
Overheating Brakes
If your brakes are overheating, they will squeal or squeak. You may also smell a hot odor that resembles burning chemicals or burning material if the brake system is too hot. This puts you in a dangerous situation because an overheating brake system will fail once it reaches a certain temperature. If you suspect your brakes are overheating, pull over and stop driving your automobile.
Smooth Rotor Surfaces
Finally, rotor surfaces are cut to generate friction with the brake pads. These surfaces slowly smooth out and need to be recut every 60,000 miles. If your rotor surfaces are smooth, this could be the reason why your brakes squeak all the time.
Midwest Auto Care in Lake Station, IN, would be happy to inspect your brake system. Once we know why it squeaks, we will let you know what it’s going to take to fix it.