If your brakes squeal every time that you press down on the brake pedal, the brake system may be overheating. When the brakes get too hot, the brake pads and rotors glaze. This means they get smooth and can no longer generate the friction you need to slow down and stop your automobile. This is why it is important to avoid driving the vehicle if the brakes are overheating. Overheating brakes are just one reason why your brakes will squeal all the time. Here are other reasons.
Worn Brake Pads
The brake pads can also squeal when they wear out. The reason why is that the manufacturer embeds a noisemaker in the pads that cause them to squeal when the surface is too low. This is your indication that it is time to replace the brake pads. You may also have an indicator light on your dashboard that will illuminate when the brake pads need to be replaced.
Broken Rattle Clips
Attached to the brake pads are anti-rattle clips that hold the pads in place. Without these clips, the brake pads would vibrate when you apply the brakes. Consequently, this vibration will make the pads squeal. In some cases, one or more of the clips will break. When this happens, the pads associated with the clips will vibrate and squeal. You may be able to tell which wheel has the broken clip based on the fact that the pad is squealing on that wheel.
Missing Insulation
Another thing that keeps the brake pads quiet is insulation. This insulation is replaced when the brake pads are replaced. As such, if you took your vehicle to an inexperienced mechanic to get new brake pads, he or she may not have insulated the pads. Consequently, the brakes are going to squeal every time you try to slow down and stop your automobile.
Warped Rotors
Finally, we mentioned above that the rotors will squeal when they are smooth. They can also squeal if they have an incorrect cut on their surfaces. The rotors deal with a lot of friction and pressure from the brake pads. As such, they need to be resurfaced approximately every 60,000 miles. If this is not done, the rotors may start to squeal when you use the brakes.
We are a full-service auto shop that would be happy to check your brakes if they are squealing all the time. Once we find the problem, we will give you a detailed estimate to repair it.
