What Causes Noise from Newly Replaced Brake Pads?

[OFernando]

Reasons for noise from newly replaced brake pads: 1. Some brake pads contain metal wires or other hard material particles that are relatively large. When the brake pads wear down to these materials, they will make noise against the brake disc, which will stop once they are worn through; 2. Check if there is any foreign object caught between the brake disc and the pad. If the sound is muffled, it is mostly an issue with the brake caliper; 3. The brake pads were not installed with a shim: Generally, brake pads are wrapped with a shim to prevent direct contact between the brake caliper and the brake pad during operation. Without the shim, direct contact can cause collision noises, which is one of the factors leading to noise from newly replaced brake pads; 4. Poor contact between the brake pad and disc: The wear between the brake disc and pad is not uniform, causing the brake disc to become uneven and develop grooves. When new brake pads are installed, their smooth and flat surface may not make full contact with the slightly grooved brake disc, resulting in poor contact. This reduces the contact area between the two, leading to decreased braking performance and noise.

[EliasRose]

I also experienced squeaking noises after changing my brake pads last time, which is actually quite common. New brake pads and rotors require a break-in period, just like new shoes that rub uncomfortably at first—initial contact surfaces aren’t perfectly smooth, leading to squeaks. I’ve noticed that if residual metal shavings or dust particles aren’t thoroughly cleaned from the brake system during installation, they can get trapped and cause harsh grinding noises. Additionally, some cheaper brake pads contain excessively high metal content; manufacturers add more metallic fibers to extend lifespan, but while they’re durable, they’re also prone to noise. Later, I learned that if the brake caliper guide pins aren’t properly lubricated, causing sluggish retraction, the pads won’t fully disengage from the rotors, resulting in continuous friction and noise. The most practical solution is to perform a few hard stops to speed up the break-in process or visit a repair shop to have a mechanic check the installation. Usually, the noise disappears after driving 200–300 kilometers, but if it persists beyond a week, it’s worth serious attention.

[TimothyAnn]

As someone who frequently tinkers with my car, I believe that the first thing to consider when new brake pads squeak is the material issue. High-performance brake pads often have a higher metal content, and the friction between these metal particles and the rotor can cause squeaking, especially on wet and rainy roads. Installation technique is also crucial. If the mechanic doesn't apply anti-squeal paste to the back of the brake pads as required to reduce resonance, or if the caliper bolts are over-tightened during installation, it can lead to abnormal friction. Additionally, the edges of the brake rotor might develop ridges, causing uneven contact, in which case the rotor surface needs to be resurfaced to match the new pads. When I replace my own pads, I make sure to thoroughly clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner to remove oil and dust, preventing impurities from causing noise. My advice is not to rush to the repair shop immediately—first, observe whether the noise only occurs when lightly braking at low speeds. This is a normal break-in phenomenon, and a few hard emergency stops can often resolve it.

[McLila]

Both of our family cars had squeaky noises after getting new brake pads. My husband, who runs a repair shop, told me this is normal. New brake pads have a hardened surface layer that needs to be worn off, similar to seasoning a new cast iron pan. Residual brake dust not cleaned properly during maintenance or misaligned spring clips can also cause friction noises. The most critical factor is whether the brake caliper guide pins are adequately lubricated—dry pins can cause the brake pads to rub against the rotors at an angle. The solution is simple: find an empty road and perform a dozen or so hard stops repeatedly, like doing push-ups for the brake system. The high-temperature friction helps quickly even out the contact surfaces. However, be wary of low-frequency rumbling sounds, as they might signal warped brake rotors.