12 replies to this topic

[ass master]

I replaced all four corners on my Altima this summer and things have been fine for the most part until the past month or so.

 

Now and then I'll hear a high-pitched squeal that only happens when I'm creeping along at very low speeds and pressing the brake pedal. So usually at a stop light/sign, stop and go traffic, etc.

 

Any ideas?

The pads I purchased (Centric) said that they already had anti-squeal shims on the backplate that touches the caliper, so I didn't use any anti-squeal spray. Do you think it's because I didn't spray the backs?

Anything else to check before I decide to pull off the wheels and pads?

[RINGKONG]

Check rotors for damage. Check calipers for bolt tightness. Check for broken pad. Check shims for play


Make sure wheel bearing is good.

[ass master]

I'll give all of those a double check after I get home. Doesn't sound like a wheel bearing issue to me, but who knows. Brakes work perfectly fine other than the squeal at low speeds.

[Coop]

Probably needs a light coat of oil, that helps with squeaks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok... don't do that.  It probably, might be, definately is a kinda really bad idea.  

 

You install yourself?  Did you use any anti-squeal compound, and make sure the calipers were clean before installing the pads?  Squealing can be caused by the pads moving against the caliper, clips, shims and anti-squeal compound are meant to prevent this.  You could also have damage to the rotors, either permanent scoring, or they could be 'glazed' with brake dust.  You can deglaze a rotor and pads with light sanding using a circular motion.  You could also take them in and have them turned... but usually a light sanding will do the trick.  If you feel ridges like a record on your rotors, you'll need to replace or have them turned.

 

Generally squealing when you apply the brakes is just an annoyance...  Squealing when you aren't applying the brakes is a problem that needs immediate attention.

[ass master]

I installed myself.

No squealing when I'm not applying the brakes, only when I'm braking at low speeds, and only when I'm lightly pressing the pedal down. When I press it down harder, the squeal stops.

Rotors are new as well. As is all of the hardware associated with holding the pads in place. I loaded up the clips with caliper grease when I installed them and cleaned up the caliper surfaces really good with brake cleaner.

 

I'm betting it's either the rotors getting glazed for some reason, or I need to take the pads out and spray the backs down with some anti-squeal.

 

If it's the rotors, what would cause them to glaze? I followed the break-in procedure as closely as I could.

[RINGKONG]

Wheel bearing

[johnnyhusker82]

Probably needs a light coat of oil, that helps with squeaks.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ok... don't do that.  It probably, might be, definately is a kinda really bad idea.  
 
You install yourself?  Did you use any anti-squeal compound, and make sure the calipers were clean before installing the pads?  Squealing can be caused by the pads moving against the caliper, clips, shims and anti-squeal compound are meant to prevent this.  You could also have damage to the rotors, either permanent scoring, or they could be 'glazed' with brake dust.  You can deglaze a rotor and pads with light sanding using a circular motion.  You could also take them in and have them turned... but usually a light sanding will do the trick.  If you feel ridges like a record on your rotors, you'll need to replace or have them turned.
 
Generally squealing when you apply the brakes is just an annoyance...  Squealing when you aren't applying the brakes is a problem that needs immediate attention.

I was gonna say regrease the bearings, and liberally apply to the brake pads too...

[ass master]

don't wheel bearings make some sort of thunking noise rather than a squeal?

[johnnyhusker82]

don't wheel bearings make some sort of thunking noise rather than a squeal?

Kinda depends on if they are just fucking up or are already so.

[ass master]

Well then. Inspecting wheel bearings I shall be!

[fdbrian]

your blinker fluid is low and you should check the roundness of your lug nuts.

[AZ Husker]

sell the pos riceburner, it is ruined beyond all hope of repair.

[ass master]

Finally got around to looking into this last weekend. Just used some caliper grease on the backs of the brake pads and it has fixed the issue. I didn't have any anti-squeal spray, so I improvised.