1997 850 Sudden Loud Squeal from Brakes

mash · Post by **mash** » 30 Apr 2015, 17:18

Hey,

Today I was driving with the windows down and out of nowhere I hear a loud squeal and find that it's coming from my car. I've read elsewhere that it can be rocks getting stuck behind the backing plate of the brakes...not sure what that looks like. Has anyone else experienced this and is it an easy fix?

Just to add- There is no effect on the braking or handling of the car, just a very loud noise.

Cheers

4sdAIR · Post by **4sdAIR** » 01 May 2015, 12:23

My volvo had cheap brakes pad and rotors installed and I tried everything to stop the squeal. I put premium RayBestos on and the problem disappeared. Volvo does have squeal issues.

rhalkyard · Post by **rhalkyard** » 01 May 2015, 20:56

If the squeal happens whenever the car is moving, rather than only when you apply the brakes, a stone stuck in the heat shield is a very likely cause. I've had it happen to me once or twice.

It's an easy enough fix -- jack the car up and remove the wheel that the noise is coming from. The heat shield is the thin piece of metal that's right up against the back side of the brake disc. You should just be able to bend it back enough to free up anything that's stuck between it and the disc. Sometimes it's the heat shield itself that's scraping on the disc and making noise, but the solution is the same – just gently bend it away from the disc and you should be good.

mash · Post by **mash** » 02 May 2015, 16:22

Thanks for the info.

I tried driving it in reverse for a few meters and that seems to have done the trick...for now. If I experience it again I might take a closer look inside the backing plates too!

Cheers