Brake squeak

[Kyser]

More and more frequently when im driving my brakes will start to squeel and squeak when im not actually on the break. As soon as I start breaking it goes away and as soon as I let off again it comes back. Every so often I can mess with my ebrake and get it to stop but that doesnt seem to work as often lately. Any help on determining what this is caused by and how to fix it would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SlowSpyder]

the sensor on the pad is hitting the rotor (piece of metal that sticks out from the backing plate that will make an audible sound when you pad material is low)
probably time for some new pads

 

[saw wave analog]

warped front rotors on my car did the same thing

something else to look out for

 

[Zenja]

The exact same thing is happening to me. My rotor isn't warped and the wear indicator piece isn't scraping the rotor. I can't figure it out and it's really annoying driving around with a loud squeaking coming from the car.

Oh well, it doesn't do it in the winter. I can wait another 6 months before worrying about it

 

[realhp=turbo]

This is an easy one. The rear brakes sqeak because the pads were not chamfered. If you are wondering what I mean, I'll tell you. Chamfering the pads requires taking the new pads and grinding off at a 45 degree angle, the leading and trailing ends of the friction materialon on all pads. This way any brake dust or debris will slide right under instead of rolling at the edge and making noise. Another reason they do that is cause the pads and the rotors are nicely glazed. A good temparary fix for that is to swipe a bit of valve grinding compound on both sides of the rotors. It will take the glaze off the pads for a while. Not a permanant fix but it sure is nice not to hear that annoying squeal. When you do the rears, take the rotors and either, lightly sand them with a fine grit paper, or have them turned. I have a fetish for good brakes, can you tell?
mike

 

[TimG]

I know this is bringing this thread back from the dead but how do I put a chamfer on the pads? I understand what a chamfer is as I am a design engineer working on CATIA V5 (so I damn well better know what a chamfer is). Can I use a regular bench grinder or what is the deal?

 

[StockTSI]

I know Acura pads are all chamfered (spelling) just go to your local parts store and check those out. Don't go for integra pads, but just ask to see like 2.2 cl pads or any of the nicer ones. It will reduce contact patch size and decrease braking ability, and it you do it wrong it will wear unevenly. The easiest solution is to go from a longer life brake pad (harder material) to more organic pads, softer. Thats what I did.