All the experts’ tips for getting rid of annoying brake system noises.

The noise that you can clearly hear while braking can be due to various causes, and depending on its type, it can indicate various types of problems: here are the experts’ tips for solving the problem of noisy brakes once and for all.

How to stop squeaking brakes

Noisy brakes are annoying brakes, but you have to identify the problem carefully before thinking about the solution. Noises or deep rattles, whistles and squeaks are all indications that we use to identify small anomalies in the brake system, but where is the cause really to be found?

You need to know that, although the noise is often attributed to the brake itself, it can actually result from vibration or wear in the front assembly.

How to diagnose brake noise? First of all, it is necessary to identify the various types of sound:

• Low frequency – there may be damaged discs or poor tolerance, i.e. incorrectly mounted on the hub or excessive disc thickness variation
• Medium frequency – poorly fitted brake pads or anti-noise devices, or it may be fault of discs that are too thin or have a non-planar surface
• High frequency – if you hear a high-pitched squeal, it comes from vibration in the friction material during brake application
  Now let’s see how to proceed.

Brake technology and maintenance

To get rid of brake noise, you need to make sure you don’t have crystallised, burnt or metal pads on your car. Carefully check the callipers, cylinders and locking systems and, above all, choose the right spare parts.

In the simplest cases it is enough to remove the brake disc and then clean the surfaces of the assembly, possibly lubricating if necessary; in other cases you will have to buy and fit a new part, also checking pads, shims and accessories.

When brakes squeal or are otherwise noisy even when new, it is a good idea to check assembly, damage or faults in the parts fitted: choosing to purchase your spare parts from GGN ensures that you receive the correct product and the best care during transport.

Caution: do not forget that you can also purchase the so-called “anti-noise” brake supports and pads on the market, but correct assembly is always essential to achieve the expected effect.

Noisy brakes: other causes

If the components are fitted correctly and there is no damage, it is time to check the cleanliness: perhaps too much dust has accumulated since the last maintenance and inspection, either from the ground or from worn material.

Don’t worry, this is a widespread problem but easy to solve: just proceed with a thorough cleaning. Always start by disassembling the pads (and if necessary the calliper), then clean with compressed air and use specific detergents if the incrustations are very consistent. Reassemble everything correctly and the problem is solved!

We conclude by reminding you that brakes for high-performance road cars, often equipped with large-diameter discs and high-temperature pads, squeal when braking at low speeds: this is the only case where the squeal is “physiological”.