What to Do About Noise from Newly Replaced Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Newly replaced brake pads making noise can be addressed with the following solutions: Method 1: Sand the brake pads by slightly grinding off the edges so they don't contact the outermost part of the brake disc, preventing friction-induced noise. Method 2: Resurface the brake disc, also known as disc skimming. Remove the brake disc and take it to a machining workshop to resurface it on a lathe, smoothing out the disc's surface. After resurfacing, there will be no ridges, allowing better alignment with the brake pads. Don't forget that brake discs also have a lifespan—generally, they should be replaced when the wear depth exceeds 2mm, with a maximum limit of 3mm. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, they should be replaced promptly and not resurfaced further.
It's really annoying to have noise from newly replaced brake pads, and I've encountered similar issues right after changing them. The main reason is likely that the new brake pads and rotors haven't fully worn in yet, requiring about 200-300 kilometers of driving for proper bedding-in. If rust or dust wasn't thoroughly cleaned from the rotors during installation, it could also cause squeaking during friction. Another possibility is the brake pad material being too hard - these low-metallic formula pads are more wear-resistant but noisier. I suggest driving for a few more days to see if the noise disappears naturally. If it persists loudly, return to the repair shop to check for installation issues. Remember to avoid sudden braking during daily driving, especially during the break-in period - gentle operation helps significantly reduce noise. Never compromise on brake system issues as they concern safety!
I also experienced noise after replacing new brake pads, which is quite common and nothing to panic about. The noise mostly comes from incomplete contact on the friction surface, or minor burrs on the edges of the brake pads causing friction sounds. You can try finding an open road, accelerating to about 60 km/h, and then gently applying the brakes several times to fully activate and break in the entire braking system. Remember to apply consistent and steady pressure each time you brake, repeating the process a few times for better results. If the noise reduces after this treatment, it indicates the issue isn't serious; if it remains loud, you might need to consider improper installation, such as a poorly fitted retaining clip causing vibrations. Last time I did this, the noise disappeared within three days—it worked pretty well.
