What Causes Squeaking After Replacing Brake Pads?
2 Answers
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.
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.