Squeaky brakes have got to be the most annoying thing for any driver. You’ve probably heard it before. It happens every time you press your foot on the pedal, and you can’t help but wonder if it’s a problem with the brakes or if it’s something that brakes do after a while. How can you stop this problem without taking your wheels off?
The good news is that in most cases, squeaky brakes are not an indication of a significant problem. However, ignoring the issue may be dangerous down the road. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix the problem that don’t involve taking off the wheel. We discuss the best fixes in this article. So, let’s get this show on the road. Shall we?
Identify the Cause
As with most problems, you need to identify the root of the squeaking before trying any solution. The source may vary based on various factors.
If you notice a constant squeak every time you press down on the pedal, it’s often because the brake pads are worn out. However, if the squeaking sound is less drastic and only happens when you’re barely touching the pedal and has a pulsing rhythm to it, chances are the brake pads are vibrating when you apply light pressure, thereby causing the squeaking sound.
This issue may be caused by several factors, including:
- Old and worn out brake hardware pad clips
- Sticking caliper sides that make the pads to drag on the motors
- Lack of sufficient lubrication on the pad/caliper contact points
Therefore, it’s crucial to identify what you’re dealing with so that you can find the right solution to your problem.
How to Stop Brakes From Squeaking
Now that you know some of the issues that may cause your brakes to squeal, it will be easier for you to identify the cause and find a proper fix. There are several steps you can do on your own to replace brake parts at home. However, if you don’t think you’re up to the task, hiring a professional is best.
If you’re confident you can handle the repairs, grab your toolbox and follow the steps we’ve outlined below to fix your squeaking brakes.
Replace Your Brake Hardware
It’s crucial to change your brake hardware every time you change your brake pads. Failure to do this will only lead to squeaking brakes and possibly worse problems down the line. So what does replacing brake hardware mean?
It means you should:
- Change the pad clips
- Remove and clean the side pins
- Replace the pin boots if they have any cracks, or they’re damaged
Most brake pads come with pad clip hardware, but you can purchase them separately if yours don’t.
Replace Your Brake Pads
Brake pads are the most popular culprit when it comes to squeaky brakes. If your brake pads are contaminated, have worn down over time, or have become glazed, it indicates it’s time to invest in a new set of brake pads.
It’s also advisable to replace your rotors when you replace the brake pads for the best results. If you’d like to reuse old rotors, ensure they’re machined and resurfaced first.
You may notice a slight squeak when you replace your brake pads. This is normal for new brake pads and should dissipate through use.
Lubricate Contact Points
If you’ve recently replaced your brake hardware and pads, and your brakes are squeaking, it may be because the contact points are not well lubricated. You need to ensure sufficient lubrication between the contact points on the pads’ edges, where they meet the pad clips and caliper.
Another crucial area to lubricate is the slide pins. However, you need to clean this area thoroughly before applying a lubricant for the best result.
To do this:
- Clean the pins with a Scotch pad or wire brush
- Clean out the pin bore with a wire bristle bottle brush
- Use a drill bit just slightly smaller than the bore size of the pin to clean out bad rust and corrosion within the cavity
- Rinse out the parts with brake cleaner
When you’re done cleaning, apply a lubricant to the pin and bore. You should notice a significant improvement in the squeaking on your next drive.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—simple ways to fix squeaking brakes without taking off the wheel. If you’ve tried all these fixes and your brakes are still squealing, consider seeking professional help as there may be a more serious problem.