Definition:
The annoying high-pitched screech that's sometimes heard when braking. A common ailment on many disc brake-equipped cars, it is caused by vibration between the brake pad and rotor. It causes no harm, but metallic scraping sounds should be investigated because it usually means the brake linings are worn down to their metal backing plates. If not replaced, the metal-to-metal contact can ruin the rotors or drums. Brake squeal can be eliminated by installing shims on the backs of brake pads, by applying anti-squeal compound or a moly-based brake grease never ordinary chassis grease) to the backs of the pads, and/or resurfacing the rotors. Applying a nondirectional swirl finish on the rotors can provided added noise suppression.
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