Questions and Answers

Goo Won't Stop Brake Squeal Q. Hi Vince. I just put new pads and rotors on the front of my car, and I did use the anti squealing stuff a week. Now my brakes are whistling show tunes whenever I step on the pedal. So my question is this: What actually causes brake squeal with new pads, and how can I fix it? Should I clean all the surfaces on the caliper where the pads meet the caliper? Thanks, David

A. If I could figure out how to make disc brake pads stop squealing, I'd be rich beyond the dreams of Avarice.

The noise is caused by dust making the disc brake pad vibrate. Disc brake pad makers have tried, by changing friction material formulas, to stop this vibration but have yet to come up with the proper formula. If they make the disc brake pads noiseless, they don't last very long. And if they make the last long, they make noise. So the best they can do is come up with a happy medium.

There are several mechanical ways to reduce this vibration. One is to attach clips, springs or shims to the disc brake pad to dampen or isolate the vibration. Another way is to add a liquid anti-squeal the back of the pad. There are several brands of this anti-squeal and I use the CRC Anti-Squeal. It is red and dries to a pliable finish. I have found it to be the most effective. Making sure the sliding parts of the caliper are clean and lubricated also helps.

All you can do is clean the pads and rotor with brake cleaner, sand the face of the brake pads and rotors and apply the anti-squeal again. (Blue didn't work, try red this time.) Make sure all the anti-rattle clips and shims are in place. Replace any that are rotted or broken. Of course quality disc brake pad will make a difference also.