Brake Squeal WTD?

Post by **patrioty3k** » 01 Oct 2010, 16:51

I know this has probably been covered in the forums ,but i have an on going problem with my drivers side front brakes squeal all the time! I've replaced the pads,rotor,and even the caliper {rebuilt volvo caliper from autozone}, and also used tons of syl-glide on every surface.....still get loud squeal,even at 75mph! I did install the semi-metallic pads and rotor from Napa,just wondering if I should try the ceramic pads......? Any help would be appreciated!

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 01 Oct 2010, 17:25

I would definitely try a different pad. Go with something higher quality then napa too because I have heard the napa pads are not the best.

Kuhnman · Post by **Kuhnman** » 01 Oct 2010, 23:19

I rebuild brakes all the time and have found that chamfering the top and bottom edges really helps(cut a 45 degree angle in the friction surface) if the pads are cut at a 90 degree angle. Also, file off the paint on the sides of the friction material because the paint is hard and will rub on the rotor causing a squeal. Careful not to remove the friction material from the sides, which can cause the rotor to rust and squeal after several miles. You can also check the tin enbuttment clips that fit between the pad and caliper mount or caliper (top and bottom ends) to make sure they haven't been bent and rubbing on the rotor if there are any. This can sound just like a pad wear indicator squeal. Also check for a rock or something stuck up against the rotor or a bent splash guard touching the rotor if there are any.

Post by **dcarlson12** » 01 Oct 2010, 23:58

To: Kuhnman: I don't understand what you mean by: "Careful not to remove the friction material from the sides,". Can you clarify a bit?

Kuhnman · Post by **Kuhnman** » 02 Oct 2010, 00:31

The side of the pad (longest edge, inside and outside edges) is usually always painted and cut at a 90 degree angle. You want to just remove the paint from it but not the friction material. If you do, the surface of the rotor where the pad would normally contact will rust. When the pad wears down to the point that the fiction material contacts the rotor again (after several months of driving and the pad wears thinner) the pad-to-rotor contact will squeal due to the rust build-up now rubbing on the pad. I hope this helps. I'm not sure how to describe it better. I'd post a picture if I knew how right now. I'll have to figure it out later

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Oct 2010, 07:04

My experience with all of my Volvos, starting with the 142, is that any auto parts store pads will squeal like a banshee. They stop fine but the noise gets irritating.

OEM pads are horribly dirty but they are quiet, I have had very good luck with the Mintex Reds that are about 1/2 the price of OEM and they are about 1/2 has dirty but you need to shim the rears and use Syl Glide liberally with them.

Many of out members swear by Akebono pads but I have never used them and I cannot say if they are great or not.

As far as the rotors go, if they aren't warped they are fine - no matter what brand they are.

...Lee

Post by **patrioty3k** » 02 Oct 2010, 08:30

Thanks to all the responses,looks like FCP Groton carries both the Mintex Reds and the Akebono,looks like Akebono are ceramic and obviously the Mintex are cheaper..... decisions,decisions?

Post by **patrioty3k** » 03 Oct 2010, 11:24

so i guess everybody is on the fence on this one....i'm going to take ozark lee's advice and get the Minteks from FCP....I know they will arrive like the next day...if not,i will get the more expensive ones....peace out!Go Pat's!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 03 Oct 2010, 15:32

Everything with the brake pads is a compromise to either your wallet, brake dust, or stopping power when cold. It is one of those things where it is your call and I'm not at all trying to be a smart-ass about it. That is just the way it is. I am reasonably happy with the Mintex pads but I don't run autocross races. I drive the crap out of the cars on very hilly and twisty roads going to the cabin and they work great when they are fairly hot. Slowing down quickly from 75 MPH to zero to turn onto the hilly twisty roads when they are cold I think they could be a bit better in terms of stopping power but they are quite cold at that point from being on a straight 4 lane up to that point.

...Lee

Post by **patrioty3k** » 04 Oct 2010, 16:12

Thanks for your insight on this brake squeal issue, ozark lee....i am going to order the mintex pads from fcp.....My problem is my drivers side always squeals!I'm thinking low brake pressure....maybe the $38 pads from Napa are crap hey!Thanks to Matt,Ozark Lee and Justin for all your help always.......