Do your brakes squeak after replacement? You usually notice the annoying squeaky sound coming off when you hit your brakes after replacement and are alarmed. Have no fear; brakes squeaking after replacement is a common thing. This post will attempt to answer the question, ‘How long do brakes squeak after being replaced’ in this post. 

We shall also look at the causes and available fixes to the annoying squeak. Do read on for more.

Why Do New Brakes Squeak?

It’s not out of place for old brakes to squeal, which happens when they wear out. However, eyebrows are raised when new brakes squeak, making one wonder if the brake pads are genuine. Before you understand why brakes are squeaking after replacement, you must consider how brakes work. Do read on.

How Do Brakes Work?

A brake is composed of a rotor, or disc, between two brake pads. These brake pads grab the rotor to slow or stop your car when you slam your foot on the brake pedal. The rotor is cast iron, while the brake pads are made of a combination of iron, steel and copper.

What Causes Brakes Squeaking After Replacement?

Now that you understand the composition of the brakes and how they work, you will easily understand why the squeaky sound. Majorly, your new brakes will squeak due to excessive moisture, normal break-in period, increased heat, low quality brake pads, stuck calipers or worn rotors. In addition to that, if the brake pads are low quality, they would squeak. 

The following are the reasons why your brakes are squeaking after replacement of brake pads or rotors:

1. Moisture

Moisture from rain, snow or ice builds up on the brake pads and rotors, and once this happens, it creates surface rust which squeaks when pushed. However, if you push your brakes a few times, the noise will clear out. 

2. Break-In

After the brake pads have been changed, there is a need for a break-in period. It’s important to ensure the pads are contacting well with the rotors; hence it is necessary to drive the vehicle for a few minutes.

The break-in is even more important if the rotor is also changed. To make the break-in process faster, drive your car in an empty parking lot and brake slowly over and over again. Avoid jamming on the brakes, but focus on gentle, slow stops. 

3. Heat

When new pads are installed is not the time to overload or press your brakes anyhow. You have to take it easy. Recall that when riding the brake, a lot of pressure is generated, leading to excessive temperatures. By so doing, the brake pads become too hot, and squeaking will happen. 

4. Low-quality Brake Pads

Brake components are important. Brake pad sets with high metal content squeak more than others. Most brake pads come with different metal mixtures, including graphite, copper, steel and iron. Squeals will depend on the composition of the pad. Some brake pads squeak less based on the pad materials. Some organic pads contain rubber, glass or resins; however, the best are ceramic brake pads. 

5. Stuck Caliper

Brake pads move because the caliper pins shrink and release the pads from the rotors. The pad gets jammed into the rotor at an angle if one caliper pin hangs, and it leads to squeaking noises. If the pads get changed without noticing the problem, it will persist. Additionally, if both of the caliper pins stick, you are bound to notice a burning smell. 

6. Worn Rotors

Worn-out rotors release squeaking sounds even if you have just changed the pad. Bad rotors make it difficult to stop your car. 

How Do You Fix New Brakes Squeaking After Replacement?

1. Wear Off Moisture

If moisture accumulates on your brakes leading to a squeaky sound, you need to drive a little to eliminate the extra moisture. After driving a while, the noise will go away if the brakes are dried out. This usually happens in the morning after dew or precipitation accumulates on your brakes. However, if the squeaking continues, then proceed to the next options. 

2. Break-in Pads

When your brake pad is new, you need to break them in. The professionals will break the new brakes for you if you install them at your local repair shop. But if you did the job yourself, you must break them yourself. Drive around slowly in an empty park or field and continue driving until the pads are properly seated and working smoothly with the rotors. 

3. Cool the Pads Off

If you have been driving around using your brakes hard, it will get hot. When this occurs, the way out is to pull over and let the brakes cool down. 

4. Swap Out Pads

If you put cheap brake pads on your vehicle, you might need to perform another replacement. Sometimes, it doesn’t pay to use cheap pads, especially considering how often you might need to replace them.

Ceramic pads suffer from squeaking the least because of the lack of metal. On the other hand, they cost more and aren’t ideal for heavy braking situations. 

5. Repair Calipers

If the calipers on your car wheels stick, you need to lubricate or replace them to resolve the issue of sticking calipers. This will also create a car that pulls to one side and possibly has a burning smell.

When Do I Change My Old Brakes?

It is recommended to replace your brakes when they show signs of wear and are no longer functioning at their best. Some common signs that indicate brake replacement is necessary to include:

1. Squeaking or grinding noise while braking
2. Reduced responsiveness or slower stopping distance
3. Vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal
4. Brake warning light illuminating

It’s important to have your brakes checked regularly, typically every 12,000 to 25,000 miles, as the wear rate of brake components can vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

It is best practice to consult a professional mechanic to accurately assess your brake system and determine the best course of action.

How Long Do Brakes Squeak After Being Replaced?

Now to the big question: How Long Do Brakes Squeak After Being Replaced? As already said, brakes can squeak for various reasons, even after being replaced. The length of time they will squeak can vary, but typically it should only last a few days to a week while the brake pads settle into place and bed in with the rotors or totally broken in. 

If you keep driving the car with the new brakes for a few days, the sound should disappear. If the squeaking persists beyond that period, it may indicate a problem with the brake pads, rotors, or the brake system, and it is recommended to have it inspected by a mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do brakes sometimes squeak after being replaced?

Brake squeaking after replacement can occur due to various factors, including the bedding-in process, the type of brake pads used, and the presence of brake dust or debris.

What is the bedding-in process for new brake pads, and why is it necessary?

Bedding-in is the process of evenly transferring a layer of friction material onto the brake rotor. It’s necessary to ensure optimal braking performance and to reduce the likelihood of squeaking and brake fade.

How long does the bedding-in process take, and when should I expect the squeaking to stop?

The bedding-in process typically takes around 200-300 miles of normal driving. Squeaking may gradually diminish during this period and should stop once the pads and rotors have properly mated.

Is it normal for brakes to squeak occasionally even after the bedding-in process?

Occasional brake squeaking can be normal, especially in wet or dusty conditions. However, persistent or loud squeaking may indicate other issues, such as glazed brake pads or contamination.

What can I do to reduce brake squeaking after replacement?

To reduce brake squeaking, ensure proper bedding-in of the new brake pads, keep the brake system clean, and use high-quality, low-noise brake pads. Additionally, inspect and maintain the brake components regularly.

Conclusion

Many factors contribute to the reduction of the lifespan of your brakes. These include the quality of your brakes, driving behaviour and normal wear and tear. When these factors come into play, you are bound to change the pads, and the noise will be heard when you do. 

Hence, with our submission above, you can boldly say Squeaky Brakes No More and also understand How Long Brakes Squeak After Being Replaced.