Why does the newly replaced brake pad make a squeaking sound?
3 Answers
The reasons for the squeaking sound of newly replaced brake pads: 1. There is noise when braking, but no noise when not braking, which is caused by the wear between the brake pad and the brake disc. The old brake pad and brake disc have formed a complementary shape after long-term use. After replacing with a new brake pad, its edge does not contact the brake disc evenly, resulting in friction noise; 2. The replaced brake pad is not a regular one, and the particles in the brake pad material are large, which easily causes noise when braking; 3. Installation issues, such as not applying lubricating paste (also called soundproof paste, black) or improper installation of the brake pad shim. In this case, reinstallation is sufficient; 4. Check the brake caliper. If it is found that the brake caliper cannot return to its normal position, it should be replaced in time.
I've encountered this situation many times. It's quite common for new brake pads to squeak, mainly because the brake pads and rotors need some time to break in. If the surfaces aren't fully aligned, they'll make noise. Don't worry—it's like new shoes that need a few days to break in. Usually, driving 200-300 kilometers in city traffic will help reduce the noise. Additionally, if no special lubricant was applied to the backplate of the brake pads during installation, the vibration can worsen the noise. Or, if the brake rotors have old wear marks, the new pads may not make even contact, leading to unusual sounds. Some people also opt for cheap, hard-material brake pads that don’t match well with the rotors, resulting in louder noise. I recommend choosing reliable brands to minimize this issue. Cleaning is crucial—when replacing the pads, remove all dust and debris, as leftover residue can easily get stuck. Safety comes first—if the noise doesn’t improve after some driving or if you notice abnormal vibrations, visit a repair shop immediately to avoid affecting braking distance. In most cases, patience during the break-in period will resolve the issue.
I remember when I first got new brake pads installed, my car would squeal all the time, which was really annoying. The mechanic explained to me that new pads have rough surfaces, and the friction against the rotors sounds like sandpaper grinding. It's normal, and the noise usually goes away after a few hundred kilometers of driving. However, if the pads are of poor quality or installed carelessly—for example, without lubricating the caliper components—the noise can be worse. I learned to handle it myself: gently tapping the brakes a few times before driving helps speed up the break-in process, and avoiding sudden stops in daily driving reduces vibrations. Additionally, dust buildup shouldn’t be ignored—roadside sand or gravel sticking to the pads can cause a buzzing sound. Now that I use better ceramic pads, the noise is much less frequent. The key is not to panic unless there’s shaking along with the noise, which would require immediate inspection. This experience taught me the importance of maintenance details.
