Teh Squeeky Brakes:

[m3f_o8OneLight8o]

Last weekend, I tried to fix this annoying brake squeek while washing my car. I bought this stuff that's called brake pad "cleaner", but it's more of a red sticky applique. I don't think I applied it very evenly (and only did one side to test it out) and basically instead of a squeek it sounded like a rub...but only for the first couple of stops, after that, no squeeks.



Now, less than a week later, it squeeks even worse, but only occurs under moderately heavy braking. The pads "look" fine.



(a) Is the red stuff garbage?

(b) Do I straight up need new brake pads?

(c) Are there any other alternatives that you guys use?



Thanks,

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

You need to apply anti-squeek to the back of the pads where they contact the calliper, and to the pad guides on the callipers.



Then bed your brakes.

[m3f_o8OneLight8o]

....rather than where they contact the rotors?



What do you mean 'bed' my brakes

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

You have to understand where the squeek comes from before you can get rid of it. Vibration of the pads against either the rotor or against the calliper. Squeek can also be caused by pad buildup on the rotor, which is why I suggested to bed the brakes.



Put antisqueek where-ever the pads contact the calliper. The pads have 'ears' on them, which slide onto the calliper, cover the ears with anti-squeek.



Brake bedding: http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm



Mind you, I have reapplied anti-squeek two times now to my brakes and I still get mild squeeking from time to time. Nature of the beast I suppose.

[m3f_hooked]

Last weekend, I tried to fix this annoying brake squeek while washing my car. I bought this stuff that's called brake pad "cleaner", but it's more of a red sticky applique. I don't think I applied it very evenly (and only did one side to test it out) and basically instead of a squeek it sounded like a rub...but only for the first couple of stops, after that, no squeeks.



Now, less than a week later, it squeeks even worse, but only occurs under moderately heavy braking. The pads "look" fine.



(a) Is the red stuff garbage?

(b) Do I straight up need new brake pads?

(c) Are there any other alternatives that you guys use?



Thanks,

OK Guys - you are missing the key here - certainly, if the pads are severely worn, they will squeak. However, the most common source of squeaky brakes is the compound of pads that have been chosen. Find out what pads you have, and that will go a long way to answer your concern. If you have aggressive race compound pads, you're probably stuck with a squeak. If your pads are almost dead, they're probably warning you. Usually, goop to prevent this is a gimmick. Also - check for even wear on the rotors. You should be able to be squeak free with a mild sport pad compound and fresh rotors - and bedding them in is good advice. Drive them hard and get them heated up (without dragging them) when you first install them.

Good luck.

[m3f_o8OneLight8o]

I'm 99.9% sure that I'm running OEM brake pads, which would leave me to believe that the compounds would be completely different than those used on the higher end brake pads ...as previously, they look fine 1.5 inches thick, smooth all the way around, a little discoloration on the face, but that's attributed to the rust on the rotors (I assume) Is there a visual inspection to say "holy mess, these things are shot" and again braking performance is nominal.

[m3f_goob_os101_81e7d17e99]

I bought Axxix/PBR Deluxe pads, no more sqeaks for me. And I think I paid under $70 for 8 pads.

[m3f_o8OneLight8o]

The weirdest thing, the sh!t doesn't squeek anymore, these cars are very quirky.



Are those axxis low-brake dust yielding?

[m3f_hemlock_1eebd28e89]

I'm 99.9% sure that I'm running OEM brake pads, which would leave me to believe that the compounds would be completely different than those used on the higher end brake pads ...as previously, they look fine 1.5 inches thick, smooth all the way around, a little discoloration on the face, but that's attributed to the rust on the rotors (I assume) Is there a visual inspection to say "holy mess, these things are shot" and again braking performance is nominal.

Even the OEM brakes squeak a lot: it has to do with their make-up. It's not like race pads, but it happens. i believe the anti-squeak compound is even part of the BMW recommended list of procedures for brake replacement. Not sure on that one, but it's what my mechanic told me last time I was too busy/lazy to do it myself.

Of course, i think this is really all a moot point. As long as they work, the sound is largely irrelevant.

[m3f_KUpolo]

Bed the brakes like sirius said. that can break up the "glaze" that build up on your rotors and casues the squeak.