Why Are My Chevrolet Vehicles' Brakes Squeaking?
Why are my Chevrolet vehicles' brakes squeaking?
Notice your brakes have been squeaking? Feeling like your car, truck, or SUV's stopping power isn't what it used to be? A number of issues can be impacting your brake performance, from general wear and tear to dirt or moisture build-up. Your brakes and their upkeep are crucial to keeping you driving safe, so let the service techs here at Dublin Chevrolet help!
What Are the Most Common Causes of Brake Squeaking?
The most common cause of brake squeaking is general wear and tear of them. This can be damage from general use over time, or due to your driving style (harder, more frequent braking for example). Another possible source of the problem would be due to buildup - either of dirt or moisture between the pads and rotors.
We will list some of the most common causes below.
Worn & Thinning Brake Pads
Probably the most obvious and frequent cause of squeaking and squealing brakes is due to brake pads being worn. Brake pads have a metal indicator built in by design that issues a high-pitched warning when they begin to approach minimum thickness. The screeching is the indicator that you need to replace your pads. This can also be caused by a thing layer of rust but this can usually be fixed by applying the brakes a few times while driving. If the noise persists get your brakes checked as soon as possible. If that squeaking becomes grinding you may be forced to replace your rotors alongside your brake pads, which can double the cost of your next service.
Dust & Debris Between The Pads and Rotors
Another common reason for brake squeaking is mud, dust, or other debris on the surface of either your pads, rotors, or both. This can occur due to either driving conditions or leaving your car or vehicle idle for a period of time allowing it to collect dust. This can be fixed with either a quick spray of cleaner or sanding down the surface material. It may also clear up after a few brake applications allowing the friction to clear the debris.
Metallic Brake Pads
Sometimes squeaky brakes can be caused by the brake pad material itself. Brake pads come in three varieties; organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic. Semi-metallic brake pads are probably the most common kind and consist of between 30%-65% metallic elements like iron, steel, graphite, and copper. When this type rubs against the rotor it can cause some squeaking or grinding. This will usually stop once the pad wears down past that particular spot or layer but if it bothers you then perhaps consider pads with less metal in them.
Organic pads are the cheapest alternative but are usually of inferior quality and durability and cause a great deal of dust. The final option, and arguably the best in terms of quality and performance, is ceramic brake pads. While costlier, they are the quietest and longest lasting.
Your Personal Braking Style
How you use your brakes can also determine their general durability. Braking hard and fast repeatedly, especially at higher speeds, will generate excess heat and a smooth, hard glaze to form on the surface of your brake pads. Using your brakes excessively downhill will also cause glazing due to spikes in temperature that exceed the brake pads' designed conventional limits. Once brake pads are glazed they will no longer create the necessary friction to stop your vehicle. They can also fracture or crack, resulting in needing to replace them.
Mechanical or Hydraulic failure in the brake caliper which can cause the brake pads to rub against the rotor even when you're not applying the brake pedal can also lead to glazing. This can happen without your knowledge making this cause particularly perilous. To check for glazing run your finder over the surface of your brake pads and feel for a smooth or glassy finish. If your brake pads glaze you will need to clean or resurface your rotors, check the calipers and hydraulic system for issues or failure. If it keeps happening, review your own braking style.
Overnight Moisture
The odd sound occurring in the morning could be due to a totally normal phenomenon of moisture and condensation forming on your brakes, especially in rain, snow, or high humidity. This creates a light layer of rust which causes a grinding or squealing sound when applying the brakes. This can usually be remedied with normal driving, also parking your car indoors if possible.
Lack of Lubrication on Drum Brakes
If your car has drum brakes, the squealing can be caused by a lack of lubrication at the contact points between the shoes and drum. Without lubrication, the shoes start to scrape against the backing plate, creating the squeal. Its usually possible to tell where the issue is by looking for signs of this kind of scraping where the bare metal is exposed. Repairing or preventing squeaky drum brakes an easy process of applying a brake grease to the backing plate where the piston meets the shoes.
Chevrolet Maintenance & Service
Our Chevrolet service center near Bay Area is staffed with expert technicians who can handle your maintenance needs.
Schedule Service - Air Conditioner Repair - Check Engine Light - Seasonal Maintenance - Catalytic Converter Replacement - Transmission Repair - Engine Sputtering - Brake Pad Squeaking - Oxygen Sensor - Oil Change - Shop Tires - Coolant Leaks
Dublin Chevrolet
4200 John Monego Ct, Dublin, CA 94568
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| Sunday | Closed |
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| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
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| Monday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM - 6:00AM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |