Brake Squeaking - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

SilviaSR20DET · 09-30-2002, 09:53 PM

For some reason my brakes on my car are sqeaking pretty loudly when i apply the brakes. Could it be that i need new brake pads or something? Sometimes its stops under hard braking but when i apply it sofly its starts that squeaky noise. Please help me find out whats wrong with my brakes. THANK YOU!

adey · 10-01-2002, 03:23 AM

I think the most common causes for squeaking would be the brake pads wearing thin (you've worn the pads down to their metal "screech" strip that lets you know that you're running low) -- take a look at the pads (if you don't have rims with big spoke-openings you'll have to take the wheel off the car) and see how much is left. I don't know what the exact measurement is, but I'd say they're about ready to be replaced if they're anything thinner than 3 or 4mm.

The other possibility is that your brake calipers/assemblies weren't properly lubricated when you last had the pads or rotors changed. If the pads look good, it may just be some of the metal parts rubbing together... which sounds bad, but if I'm not mistaken, isn't particularly damaging. (other than, of course, to your ears.)

There could be some other issues, but I think the two above scenarios are most likely.

If all else fails, take it to a shop to have 'em check it out. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

Is that a ??? · 10-01-2002, 03:37 AM

It could also be that your break pads have cracks in them. It will not hurt your breaks to ride on them it is just the break pads that cause a whistle noise when they are aplied. The best thing to do is get new pads!!!!

Natty · 10-01-2002, 02:57 PM

My brakes started squeakinga  few months back so I bought $60 in new pads. I pulled the wheels off and the pads were brand new! D'oh!
I guess the last guy didn't lube them, so they squeaked. I figure it isn't damaging, so I said screw it and I am living with it  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>
Jeff

jyt747 · 10-01-2002, 03:33 PM

just put some anti-squeal on them and they should be fine.

Archangel · 10-03-2002, 12:50 AM

My brakes squealed bad because my pads were really worn down.  Just like you said, hard braking = no squeak, light braking = alotta squeak.  I bought a set of EBC Greenstuff pads, installed them, no squeak... for about 2 weeks.
Now they squeak a little the first few times I use them, then for the rest of the drive they're fine.  The pads are still pretty new, so they might still be bedding in with the rotors, but if not the little bit of squeak is not bad at all.

S14Racer · 10-03-2002, 11:31 PM

Your rotors may be warped.

BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication?  I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking.  Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube?

lVll2. S14 · 10-03-2002, 11:47 PM

have you tried changing your brake shims? you can order a set from nissan for about 40 bux. i think they're the little metal clips that go on your brake pads before you put them back on. also check the brake pad retaining clips they might be a little worn. when you get a new set make sure you lube the deepest dip in the clip.

adey · 10-03-2002, 11:58 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (S14Racer @ Oct. 03 2002,10:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication? I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking. Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
no kidding man! You have to lube EVERYTHING up! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

Actually... I believe you are supposed to lube something when changing pads. I haven't quite figured out what, but I'll be doing my brakes next week (or whenever I get my braided lines and tie rod bushings) and will know by then (thanks to the FSM)...

edit: If yours don't squeal, that's fine I guess - they may start squealing in the futuer though, and that may be because you didn't lube it up.  Think chafing... not good!  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':nervous:'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'>

guidot · 10-04-2002, 07:03 AM

No lube is necessary.  The squeeking you hear could also be the shims wearing so thin, they have fallen out of place and are hitting the rotor under braking.  I think thats what happened with mine, because we put them back together with the shims on, but they were almost all in pieces!

Pancor · 10-04-2002, 08:11 AM

When you install brake pads, you're supposed to put a dab of special grease on the back of the pad.  It's purpose is to absorb and dampen the resonant vibrations that cause squeeling.  If you put a dry pad on a car, its almost guaranteed to squeel somewhere down the line.

10-01-2002, 03:23 AM	#2
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think the most common causes for squeaking would be the brake pads wearing thin (you've worn the pads down to their metal "screech" strip that lets you know that you're running low) -- take a look at the pads (if you don't have rims with big spoke-openings you'll have to take the wheel off the car) and see how much is left. I don't know what the exact measurement is, but I'd say they're about ready to be replaced if they're anything thinner than 3 or 4mm. The other possibility is that your brake calipers/assemblies weren't properly lubricated when you last had the pads or rotors changed. If the pads look good, it may just be some of the metal parts rubbing together... which sounds bad, but if I'm not mistaken, isn't particularly damaging. (other than, of course, to your ears.) There could be some other issues, but I think the two above scenarios are most likely. If all else fails, take it to a shop to have 'em check it out. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

10-01-2002, 02:57 PM	#4
Natty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 944 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My brakes started squeakinga  few months back so I bought $60 in new pads. I pulled the wheels off and the pads were brand new! D'oh! I guess the last guy didn't lube them, so they squeaked. I figure it isn't damaging, so I said screw it and I am living with it  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> Jeff __________________ 1991 White 240sx Fastback LE, rusty spoiler, weak driveshaft, exhaust rattle.... Rattles are just your cars way of saying 'I love you.'

10-01-2002, 03:33 PM	#5
jyt747 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 305 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	just put some anti-squeal on them and they should be fine. __________________ '96 5 spd SE; K&N intake, apexi coilovers, apexi c/f fstb, clutchmaster stage 1 w/ lightened flywheel, b&m ss, 5zigen fireball, jacobs ice pak. (NOW TOTALLED, RIP)

10-03-2002, 12:50 AM	#6
Archangel Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 425 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My brakes squealed bad because my pads were really worn down.  Just like you said, hard braking = no squeak, light braking = alotta squeak.  I bought a set of EBC Greenstuff pads, installed them, no squeak... for about 2 weeks. Now they squeak a little the first few times I use them, then for the rest of the drive they're fine.  The pads are still pretty new, so they might still be bedding in with the rotors, but if not the little bit of squeak is not bad at all. __________________ White 98 s14

10-03-2002, 11:31 PM	#7
S14Racer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NCSU Raleigh, NC Posts: 32 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Your rotors may be warped. BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication?  I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking.  Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube? __________________ '96 240sx Tokico Blue Struts,Eibach Prokit, Generic Strut bars Drilled/Slotted Rotors, Semi-Metallic Brake pads B&M Shifter BLUE-TINTED HIGH PERFORMANCE RACING HEADLIGHTS

09-30-2002, 09:53 PM	#1
SilviaSR20DET Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,221 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	For some reason my brakes on my car are sqeaking pretty loudly when i apply the brakes. Could it be that i need new brake pads or something? Sometimes its stops under hard braking but when i apply it sofly its starts that squeaky noise. Please help me find out whats wrong with my brakes. THANK YOU!

10-01-2002, 03:37 AM	#3
Is that a ??? Leaky Injector Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 76 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It could also be that your break pads have cracks in them. It will not hurt your breaks to ride on them it is just the break pads that cause a whistle noise when they are aplied. The best thing to do is get new pads!!!!

10-03-2002, 11:47 PM	#8
lVll2. S14 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 100 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	have you tried changing your brake shims? you can order a set from nissan for about 40 bux. i think they're the little metal clips that go on your brake pads before you put them back on. also check the brake pad retaining clips they might be a little worn. when you get a new set make sure you lube the deepest dip in the clip.

10-03-2002, 11:58 PM	#9
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (S14Racer @ Oct. 03 2002,10:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> BTW, whats all this talk about lubrication? I put on my rotors and pads right out of the package and they arent squeaking. Was I supposed to coat them in some sort of brake lube?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> no kidding man! You have to lube EVERYTHING up! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> Actually... I believe you are supposed to lube something when changing pads. I haven't quite figured out what, but I'll be doing my brakes next week (or whenever I get my braided lines and tie rod bushings) and will know by then (thanks to the FSM)... edit: If yours don't squeal, that's fine I guess - they may start squealing in the futuer though, and that may be because you didn't lube it up.  Think chafing... not good!  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/nervous.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':nervous:'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'> __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

10-04-2002, 07:03 AM	#10
guidot Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cape Cod, MA Age: 45 Posts: 443 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	No lube is necessary.  The squeeking you hear could also be the shims wearing so thin, they have fallen out of place and are hitting the rotor under braking.  I think thats what happened with mine, because we put them back together with the shims on, but they were almost all in pieces! __________________ -Jeff T. 96 240SX 240SXONE http://www.240sxone.com

10-04-2002, 08:11 AM	#11
Pancor Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 82 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	When you install brake pads, you're supposed to put a dab of special grease on the back of the pad.  It's purpose is to absorb and dampen the resonant vibrations that cause squeeling.  If you put a dry pad on a car, its almost guaranteed to squeel somewhere down the line.