Brake Squeal

mtags24 · May 27, 2009, 11:19 AM

Hi guys I've been having a problem and need some advice:

I changed out my non-squeaking pads and rotors for some brembo replacement rotors and some PBR/Axxiss Ultimate pads. I used the stock shims (are those even necessary with new pads?) and the old clips. After about 50 miles they started squeaking VERY loudly.

I had a mechanic look it over and he said I did them perfectly; he said the squeaking was caused by the pad material. This doesn't make sense to me though because I have been using these pads for 2 years now and haven't had them make ANY noise above a slight grind.

My brake pedal feels good at low speeds but when hard braking at highway speeds I get some pulsations and a droning noise. I'm pretty sure this is due to the pads not sitting well. One of the clips on the left pad has come off now. I feel very strongly that the clips were not installed correctly and are causing the problem.

My quesion is: Should I just grab new clips and try to fix them? or should I grab some OEM pads and clips and just change the pads entirely? I'm worried that all this bad friction may have ruined my pads and that even with a clean install they will still squeal.

Thanks for your help! I'm getting really embarrassed riding around with this!

Evo666 · May 27, 2009, 11:25 AM

could be brake dust. Spray it down with brake cleaner and apply grease that prevents squealing.

blaze_125 · May 27, 2009, 12:55 PM

Changing the clips is an easy/cheap place to start. I say go with that first. And while you're down there, also go with Evo666's idea.

mtags24 · May 27, 2009, 01:02 PM

^ Thanks a lot guys! That's what I think I'll be doing this weekend.

I've read that the clips are only there as a brake alarm for when the pads need changing. others have said they are pivotal to keeping the brakes in place and not squeaking. Are they necessary at all?

blaze_125 · May 27, 2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtags24

^ Thanks a lot guys! That's what I think I'll be doing this weekend.

I've read that the clips are only there as a brake alarm for when the pads need changing. others have said they are pivotal to keeping the brakes in place and not squeaking. Are they necessary at all?

The clips that go on the top and lower portion of the caliper are there to ensure the pad is in there tight enough to not wiggle around while you drive. Each corner has 4 clips, each corner has 1 of those clip with the squealer. The squealer is the wear indicator that screams when your pads are getting thin.

Jehuty · May 27, 2009, 02:10 PM

How do you know which clip goes in which spot. Some times I feel like I have the wrong clip in the wrong spot.

mtags24 · May 27, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaze_125

The clips that go on the top and lower portion of the caliper are there to ensure the pad is in there tight enough to not wiggle around while you drive. Each corner has 4 clips, each corner has 1 of those clip with the squealer. The squealer is the wear indicator that screams when your pads are getting thin.

Gotcha thanks! Now I know I can't just leave them out of the equation.

Jehuty- Yeah I also have that problem. I notice the clips are different shapes, and I think I always put them back the way they were, but I guess now I know my memory isn't too sharp.

Does anyone have a diagram/picture/explanation of how to correctly insert the clips and where each kind goes?

blaze_125 · May 28, 2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtags24

Does anyone have a diagram/picture/explanation of how to correctly insert the clips and where each kind goes?

It's been a while since I've done brakes on the Lancer... but aren't they all the same except 1? Each corner has 4 clips. 3 identical, and 1 with the squealer. The one with the squealer goes on the back of the rotor in the bottom opening.

Jehuty · May 28, 2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaze_125

It's been a while since I've done brakes on the Lancer... but aren't they all the same except 1? Each corner has 4 clips. 3 identical, and 1 with the squealer. The one with the squealer goes on the back of the rotor in the bottom opening.

I'll check them out this weekend and take photos. I'm not entirely sure, I just know that when I put the clips in certain spots the caliper rejects the clips as if to say "hey stupid...wrong clip" so I feel insulted and I get all "yeah well I just won't put brakes on, that'll show you"....

in reality I just force them...I guess I need new clips

mtags24 · May 28, 2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jehuty

I'll check them out this weekend and take photos. I'm not entirely sure, I just know that when I put the clips in certain spots the caliper rejects the clips as if to say "hey stupid...wrong clip" so I feel insulted and I get all "yeah well I just won't put brakes on, that'll show you"....

in reality I just force them...I guess I need new clips

hahaha yep that sounds like my brake pad changes! Some photos would be awesome, thanks man.

mtags24 · May 28, 2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaze_125

It's been a while since I've done brakes on the Lancer... but aren't they all the same except 1? Each corner has 4 clips. 3 identical, and 1 with the squealer. The one with the squealer goes on the back of the rotor in the bottom opening.

Thanks for that explanation Blaze. So, what you are saying is that each front side has 4 clips that hold that pads in. Out of the 4 there will be 1 clip with the sound squealer that goes on the inside pad facing the inside of the car (as opposed to the pad facing out from the car). This squealer clip goes on the bottom part of this pad. Is that right?

swankin · May 28, 2009, 06:47 PM

You could also be at a hard spot in the pads. If so, it should be gone in about another 50 miles or so.

blaze_125 · May 29, 2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtags24

Thanks for that explanation Blaze. So, what you are saying is that each front side has 4 clips that hold that pads in. Out of the 4 there will be 1 clip with the sound squealer that goes on the inside pad facing the inside of the car (as opposed to the pad facing out from the car). This squealer clip goes on the bottom part of this pad. Is that right?

Yes. As far as I remember the squealer goes inside... as in closest to the engine, in the lower caliper spot.

evosam726 · May 29, 2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaze_125

Changing the clips is an easy/cheap place to start. I say go with that first. And while you're down there, also go with Evo666's idea.

Jehuty · May 29, 2009, 09:26 AM

I have aftermarket rotors and they are warped...it's really stupid. So I have to get new ones, plus I bought cheapo deapo pads from Auto Zone...so my car squealing is 100% my fault. Now to buy new clips, do I just go to the store and say "hey...I need new clips"