How to Quiet Auto Brake Noise

There are several sources of auto brake noise. Some are normal, some indicate the need for repair, and some you can easily solve. Brake noises usually come from moisture, dirt or vibration of some sort. Finding the source and cause of the noise is critical to determining the solution.

Instructions

Front Brake Noise

1

Place the vehicle up on jack stands so that the offending wheel is elevated and free to spin. Look at the rotor. It should be smooth and free of grooves. It should have a dull shine, and no places of blued metal. Bluing indicates that the rotors have overheated, and may be warped, a common cause of brake noise. Grooves in the rotor may indicate worn brake pads and metal-to-metal contact. You should replace rotors and pads immediately.

2

Remove the caliper and inspect the brake pads. Make sure that there is still material other than the backing left on the pad. Also, make sure that the pad has not reached the squeaker wear bar. Most pads have a tin metal bar that hits the rotor when the brakes are applied after the brakes have reached a certain wear point. This indicates that the pads need to be replaced before damage to rotors and other brake components occurs. If the wear bar has been reached, replace the brake pads and turn the rotors to eliminate the brake noise.

3

Clean all surfaces thoroughly with brake parts cleaner. If rotors and pads are in good shape, but you have been driving in dusty conditions, these dirty brake components can cause noise. Be sure that there is no oil or dirt residue on the rotors or the braking surface of the brake pads. Also, inspect between the brake pad and rotor to ensure that there are no tiny rocks or bits of dirt causing the noise.

4

Make sure all brake hardware is in place before reassembly. To prevent excess brake vibration, apply a product like Disc Brake Quiet to the rear of the pads. It comes in either a grease or a spray form. Ensure that none of the grease gets on the front of the pads, which may render them ineffective.

Rear Brake Noise

5

Place the rear of the vehicle on jack stands, and block the front wheels so the vehicle will not roll. Using a brake adjuster tool, adjust the rear brake shoes so they are as far from the drum as they can be. Slide the rear drum off, and inspect it for grooves or heated spots, as in the steps above. If the drum is grooved, you must replace or turn them immediately, along with the shoes.

6

Inspect the brake shoes, which should be evenly worn from front to rear. If they are worn in a sloping pattern, you need to replace them and then inspect the brake hardware. This usually means that springs are worn and shoes are pulling unevenly. Turn or replace the drums at the same time, as warped brake shoes usually result in warped drums as well.

7

Clean all parts, as dirt and dust can cause rear brake noise. Clean all parts and surfaces thoroughly before reassembly, using brake parts cleaner. Ensure you have removed all small rocks and dust from both shoes and drums.