Every single time you press down on the brake pedal, your brakes scream. It’s so embarrassing. Embarrassment aside, this is also a sign that your brake system has a problem. Do not panic. The problem generally isn’t too hard to fix, and we can fix it here at Clark’s Professional Car Care. Why do your brakes squeal constantly? It could be any of the following issues listed below.
Brake Pad Wear and Tear
On average, brake pads last about 30,000 miles. After this mileage milestone, it’s important to get the brake pads changed. Once their surface reaches 1/4-of-an-inch, they definitely need to be changed. Some pads have wear indicators that will squeal once the pads have reached the end of their lives. The lower the pad surface, the more chances you have of your brakes squealing all the time.
Broken Anti-Rattle Clips
The pads and pad stays are held onto the calipers using anti-rattle clips. The reason why these clips are called anti-rattle clips is that they are designed to prevent the pads and pad stays from moving when you use the brakes. If any of the clips have broken, the pads and pad stays will vibrate and your brakes will squeal. A quick replacement of the broken anti-rattle clip(s) will solve the problem.
Overheating Brakes
If you also smell heat when your brakes are squealing, they are overheating. When the brake system gets too hot, the pads and rotors smooth out. This is called glazing, and these two parts can no longer generate friction to stop your automobile. Oftentimes, hot brake pads smell like burning carpet. The hotter the system gets, the more chances you have of your brake fluid boiling. This will smell like burning chemicals. Stop driving your automobile if you suspect the brakes are overheating.
Uncut Rotor Surfaces
As we mentioned briefly above, the brake pads and rotors work together to create friction. Every 60,000 miles, the rotor surfaces need to be recut so that they can continue to generate friction with the brake pads. If your rotor surfaces are smooth, the brakes will squeal every time you use them.
Zero Pad Insulation
Finally, aside from the pad stays and anti-rattle clips, the brake pads also have insulation that is designed to prevent them from squealing. This insulation is installed in the brake system when it is built. This insulation needs to be replaced every time you have new brake pads put on your automobile. If there’s no pad insulation, the brakes will squeal. Call Clark’s Professional Car Care in Pascagoula and D’Iberville, MS, to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection if your brakes are squealing constantly.
