If your brakes still squeak after replacing new brake pads and discs, there may be several reasons:
Breaking-in period: New brake pads and discs need some time to break in. During the breaking-in period, some noise may occur, but this sound usually fades away after a period of use.
Installation issues: If the brake pads are not installed properly, such as not properly aligned or fixed, it may cause abnormal noise. Making sure the brake pads are properly installed on the brake caliper and are completely parallel to the brake disc is the key to avoiding this problem.
Uneven brake disc surface: Scratches or uneven surfaces on the brake disc surface can also cause new brake pads to squeak when braking. In this case, the brake disc may need to be polished or replaced to ensure that its surface is flat.
Other things in the brake system: Dust, sand or other things in the brake system can get stuck between the brake pads and discs, causing abnormal noise when braking. Cleaning the brake system regularly, especially after driving in bad road conditions, can effectively prevent this situation.
The running-in period between the brake pad and the brake disc: A certain running-in period is required between the new brake pad and the brake disc to achieve the best friction effect. During the running-in period, a slight squeaking sound may occur, which is normal. Usually, this sound will gradually disappear after a few hundred kilometers of driving.
Material problem: The material of the brake pad is too hard and it is easy to produce friction noise. Therefore, when choosing brake pads, car owners should choose products with good quality and suitable materials to avoid noise problems.
If the problem still cannot be solved after trying the above methods, it is recommended to go to a professional repair station for inspection in time. It may be necessary to replace the brake pads or brake discs, or perform other repairs.
How long does it usually take for brake pads and brake discs to break in?
The break-in period for new brake pads and brake discs usually takes about 200 kilometers of driving to achieve the best braking effect. During the break-in period, the contact surface of the brake pad and brake disc will gradually adapt and form a better fit. Although the surface of the new brake pad appears flat after installation, it is actually not completely flat with the brake disc, and there may be only a few points of contact. These points will have hardness differences due to local overheating at high speeds. If there is no break-in period, these hard points may cause noise, slippage and irregular grooves when braking.
The break-in method includes light braking on a safe road, repeatedly accelerating to a certain speed and then lightly braking to slow down, then driving a few kilometers to let the brake pads and brake discs cool slightly, and repeating this process at least 10 times. After the break-in is completed, you still need to drive carefully, because the brake disc may still need further break-in for several hundred kilometers to achieve optimal performance.
During the break-in period, it is recommended not to brake suddenly or drive at high speed until the brake pads and brake discs are completely broken in. If you hear a sharp metallic friction sound when you lightly apply the brakes, this may be caused by foreign matter on the brake disc and brake pads, and usually disappears after a few braking operations. If the abnormal sound persists, it is recommended to check the brake system and have it professionally repaired.
What changes will occur in the performance of brake pads and brake discs after the running-in period?
After the running-in period, the performance of brake pads and brake discs will undergo the following changes:
Increased contact area: The contact surface between the new brake pads and brake discs will become more complete and uniform after running-in, thereby providing better braking force.
Improved braking force: After running-in, the friction coefficient between the brake pads and brake discs is optimized, which can provide more stable and reliable braking force.
Reduced noise and vibration: During the running-in process, the uneven parts of the brake pad surface will be smoothed, reducing the noise and vibration caused by hard point contact.
Improved braking response: After running-in, the brake pads can respond to braking commands faster and provide more sensitive braking response.
Extended service life: Proper running-in can reduce initial abnormal wear and help extend the service life of brake pads and brake discs.
Reduced initial wear: Through gentle braking operations during the running-in period, the initial rapid wear of new brake pads can be reduced and the wear can be more even.
Improve driving safety: The brake system after running-in can provide more reliable braking performance, thereby improving driving safety.
In order to ensure the best performance of the brake system, it is recommended to perform proper running-in after replacing the new brake pads and follow professional guidance.
What are the precautions for brake pad maintenance after the running-in period?
After the running-in period, the maintenance of brake pads needs to pay attention to the following matters:
Regular inspection: Even if the brake pads have passed the running-in period, they still need to be checked regularly for wear. When the thickness is lower than the minimum thickness recommended by the manufacturer, they should be replaced in time.
Pay attention to the braking feeling: If you feel a change in force or a longer braking distance when braking, this may be a sign of brake pad wear and the brake system needs to be checked.
Check the brake fluid: Low brake fluid level may affect braking performance and should be checked regularly and replenished in time.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Using the vehicle in extreme temperatures for a long time may affect the performance of the brake pads. You should try to avoid long-term high-speed driving or frequent use of the brakes.
Clean the brake pads: The brake pads may be stained with impurities such as oil and dust, and should be cleaned regularly to maintain good braking performance.
Avoid sudden braking: Frequent sudden braking will accelerate the wear of the brake pads, and predictive braking should be used as much as possible.
Professional maintenance: If you don’t know much about the maintenance and care of brake pads, it is recommended to consult a professional auto repair technician.
Driving habits: Good driving habits can help extend the life of the brake pads. Avoid driving with the brakes on for long periods of time to prevent the brake pads from overheating.
Replace the brake disc: If the brake disc is severely worn or scratched, it may need to be replaced to ensure the braking effect.
Check other parts of the brake system: Wear of parts such as brake calipers, guide pins and return springs can also affect braking performance and should be checked together.
By following these maintenance precautions, you can ensure the long-term stable operation of the brake system and ensure driving safety.
Hi, just contact us! 