Car Brakes Squeak - Why

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Shindig

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#280663 1-Jan-2021 17:09

I have a 2011 Nissan Qashqui.

The brakes squeak so much that people turn their heads to see what the noise is.

Occurs rain or shine, cold or hot.

I have had the pads and discs changed, which made no difference? Last time it went for a service I informed the garage, who then proceeded to 'machine the pads' I think the guy said.

Any ideas GZers?

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#2628948 1-Jan-2021 17:14

All the time or just when breaking?
I have had a stone chip caught that causes very loud squeak!

Oblivian

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#2628949 1-Jan-2021 17:16

Possibly not it, as the handbrake is independent, but could be skidding on applying the outters. Realise there is probably 2 sets?

Standard pads you see outside, and internal ones on the drum inside?

Way to check would be slightly apply handbrake as you go along, see if it's the markers on those.

Batman

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#2628952 1-Jan-2021 17:21

there's something on the pads/rotor causing it -

normally when you apply enough heat the rubbish will burn off or if you pulse it enough times the stone will fall off

but i would expect if you changed 4 rotors and 8 pads the noise will be gone

either

1 - it's not the brakes

2 - they did not do what they said they'd done

*disclaimer - i may be wrong as i am not a mechanic or mechanical engineer

Shindig

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#2628953 1-Jan-2021 17:24

Only occurs at time of breaking, not all the time.

If I apply the brakes fully it doesn't occur. Only when light breaking, for example going down a hill, or stopping at traffic lights.

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Batman

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#2628954 1-Jan-2021 17:26

Shindig:

Only occurs at time of breaking, not all the time.

If I apply the brakes fully it doesn't occur. Only when light breaking, for example going down a hill, or stopping at traffic lights.

there's some rubbish. brake for longer at a higher speed and the rubbish will "disappear" from my experience.

*note I'm not a mechanic ...

if you suspect imminent brake failure don't do what i suggested!

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#2628955 1-Jan-2021 17:28

Shindig:

Only occurs at time of breaking, not all the time.

If I apply the brakes fully it doesn't occur. Only when light breaking, for example going down a hill, or stopping at traffic lights.

you said the rotors and pads were replaced

- you sure everything changed to new ones?

-- if you mix old and new this is likely to occur

--- i'm guessing uneven rotor and pad combo causing weird layer of something to be more exposed to cause the squeal

- did you break in the pads and rotor?

-- sometimes if you don't break them in properly it can also occur

--- i'm guessing when these things are new there is a layer of something - oil or whatever, causing the squeal

otherwise that's all i think i know

Shindig

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#2628957 1-Jan-2021 17:31

Are rotors the discs? Just different terminology for them?

Might be a job in the new year for my local garage to take a look at?

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Technofreak

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#2628966 1-Jan-2021 17:38

It's my guess you have one or several small stones lodged somewhere. You probably collected them driving on a newly tarsealed section of road.

It's not hard to fix. You can do it yourself if you're happy removing the wheels and having a good look around the brake disks, calipers (have a good look at the top of the calipers) and stone guards. The offending stones may not be immediately obvious.

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Batman

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#2628967 1-Jan-2021 17:38

Shindig:

Are rotors the discs? Just different terminology for them?

Might be a job in the new year for my local garage to take a look at?

rotor is the disc

if you don't suspect brake failure then go to the motorway and brake a reasonable distance at a high enough speed - this will generate enough heat to start to burn off whatever rubbish is there.

unless the stubborn layer of whatever doesn't want to burn off then i'm afraid you're stuck with it until new rotor and pads

if it's me - i don't care about other people looking at me. brake harder! (as you said braking harder = no noise)

ok i better not give any more boy racer advice ... if i'm wrong somebody correct me lol

Technofreak

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#2628969 1-Jan-2021 17:39

Shindig:
Are rotors the discs? Just different terminology for them?

Might be a job in the new year for my local garage to take a look at?

Yep, rotors - disks same thing.

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Technofreak

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#2628971 1-Jan-2021 17:42

Batman:

Shindig:

Are rotors the discs? Just different terminology for them?

Might be a job in the new year for my local garage to take a look at?

rotor is the disc

if you don't suspect brake failure then go to the motorway and brake a reasonable distance at a high enough speed - this will generate enough heat to start to burn off whatever rubbish is there.

unless the stubborn layer of whatever doesn't want to burn off then i'm afraid you're stuck with it until new rotor and pads

if it's me - i don't care about other people looking at me. brake harder! (as you said braking harder = no noise)

ok i better not give any more boy racer advice ... if i'm wrong somebody correct me lol

Worth a try but this probably won't work if the problem is stones.

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Shindig

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#2628974 1-Jan-2021 17:46

Top replies! Thank you all.

Tempted to remove the wheels tomorrow and have a look!

The little things make the biggest difference.

Andib

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#2628975 1-Jan-2021 17:48

Check that they haven't forgotten to use copper grease on the pads.
Thats always a good way of getting sqeualing breaks.

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rphenix

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#2629077 1-Jan-2021 22:47

If the problem was still there immediately after having the pads replaced and the rotor machined or replaced I don't think it will be a stone (though easy to check and its free) - if it is a stone it will be coming from just one side.

Ask the shop - what brand of pads were put in. If OEM ask if they know who makes the OEM pads and if there is a better/higher quality aftermarket pad you can put on the vehicle instead - I like EBC.

Technofreak

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#2629079 1-Jan-2021 23:03

rphenix:

If the problem was still there immediately after having the pads replaced and the rotor machined or replaced I don't think it will be a stone (though easy to check and its free) - if it is a stone it will be coming from just one side.

Ask the shop - what brand of pads were put in. If OEM ask if they know who makes the OEM pads and if there is a better/higher quality aftermarket pad you can put on the vehicle instead - I like EBC.

If I read the OP correctly the squeal was there before the pads and rotors were replaced. It reads to me they were replaced to try and stop the squeal.

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