What Causes Squeaking After Replacing Brake Pads?

[StJoseph]

There are several reasons for squeaking after replacing brake pads: 1. The brake pads have reached the warning line or are worn to their limit. 2. The brake pad material is relatively hard. 3. Improper installation of the brake system. The operation of braking primarily comes from friction, utilizing the friction between the brake pads and the brake discs, as well as between the tires and the ground, to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy through friction, thereby stopping the car. A good and efficient braking system must provide stable, sufficient, and controllable braking force, with excellent hydraulic transmission and heat dissipation capabilities, to ensure that the force applied by the driver on the brake pedal is fully and effectively transmitted to the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders, avoiding hydraulic failure and brake fade caused by high temperatures.

[EllaRose]

I also experienced squeaking noises after replacing my brake pads last time, which is usually not a big issue but still requires attention. When new brake pads are first installed, their surfaces might be rough and uneven, causing noise when rubbing against the brake rotors—this requires a break-in period. If the installation wasn’t done properly, such as misaligned shims or insufficient lubrication, it can also generate noise. Another possibility is oil residue or rust on the brake rotors, leading to squeaking due to poor contact. Some low-quality brake pads made from overly hard materials are naturally prone to noise. In such cases, I recommend not panicking—drive normally for a few days and try gently applying the brakes several times to see if the noise fades. If the squeaking persists or worsens after a few weeks, it’s best to return to the repair shop to check for rotor warping or switch to high-quality ceramic brake pads. Safety comes first—don’t delay too long to avoid damaging the rotors.

[Bonnie]

Sigh, the squeaking after changing brake pads is really annoying. I learned a few reasons from the mechanic. New pads need a break-in period, and the noise should go away after driving a hundred kilometers or so. However, if the brake discs weren’t cleaned properly during installation, leaving behind grit or grease, the pads can make noise while rubbing. Insufficient lubrication can also cause squeaking, especially if the metal contact points are too dry. Another possibility is that the new pads are made of harder material, causing slipping and noise when they contact the discs. The solution is simple: drive normally and apply the brakes gently to let them break in—avoid slamming them right away. If the noise persists after some time, it’s best to have a professional check whether the installation was done correctly, add some noise-reducing shims, or readjust them. This issue is quite common, so just pay attention and it should be fine.

[StAyla]

Squeaking after replacing brake pads is commonly caused by new pads not yet bedded in, contaminants on the rotor surface, or installation errors. New pads require several hundred kilometers to adapt to the rotor; oil or grease on the rotor can cause the pads to stick and make noise; misalignment during installation, such as insufficient lubrication or incorrect part positioning, leads to abnormal friction. Solution: Gently apply the brakes for a few days to aid bedding-in. If the noise persists, promptly check the alignment between the rotor and pads.