Squeaky brakes – common causes and how to fix them

Got squeaky brakes that sound like a bunch of cats getting stepped on? Here’s some common causes and how to fix them.

The other day, someone told me there’s no bigger ick than seeing a bloke run with a backpack on. But I disagree. I reckon the biggest ick, possibly ever, is squeaky brakes. If you pull up out the front of your date’s house with a set of brakes that sounds like a bunch of cats getting stepped on every time you hit the pedal to slow down, I promise you; it doesn’t matter if you’re in a Ferrari or a fourby, your prospective partner will have texted all of her friends saying there won’t be a second date before she even opens the door.

I would love to sit here and say I pulled the love of my life because she thinks I’m tall, dark, and handsome. But I didn’t. I got my missus thanks to two very important things: being ridiculously funny and not having screeching brakes. Now, because I was born with my incredible humour the same way I was born with my fantastic knack for humility, I can’t teach you how to be funny. But, with a background in mechanics, I can teach you how to diagnose and rectify your date-destroying squeaky brakes.

Common causes of squeaky brakes and how to fix them

When I was a kid, my mum always told me to wash the dishes from cleanest to dirtiest, and I apply a similar approach when diagnosing mechanical issues. Starting by checking the possible causes, starting with the easiest to fix and progressing to the hardest.

Dust and debris

Brake dust is one of the most common causes of squeaky brakes, and luckily, it’s easy to fix. Generally, you’ll start to see the brake dust accumulating on the exterior of the wheel a few days before the racket begins. All they need is a clean. So head to your local auto parts store and grab a quality brake cleaner like Bendix Cleanup and follow the directions on the can. These solvents are great because they don’t require the brakes to be disassembled.

If there’s debris caught in your brakes, the noise will be coming from the affected corner(s) of the vehicle. Head to where the sound is coming from and check for any obstructions thats become stuck against the rotor, in the heat shield, or around the brakes. If the obstruction isn’t obvious, safely jack up the vehicle, remove the wheel once the brakes have cooled, and re-check for any unwanted hitchhikers.

Worn brake pads

Worn brake pads are another common cause of squeaky brakes. Brake pads are designed to wear down over time due to friction, and when they become too thin, a metal indicator will come into contact with your rotor and loudly announce itself every time you dab the brakes.

If you can’t see the brake pad through the calliper, you’ll need to remove the wheels and take a closer look. If they look significantly thinner than new pads or if the metal indicator is visible, it’s time to replace them.

It’s important to fit brake pads that suit the type of life your vehicle has. My Ford Ranger lives in the Outback. It’s big, it’s heavy, and I ask a lot of it. So I use these heavy-duty disc brake pads, which are fantastic all-rounders and perfect for tow vehicles too. 

Glazed brake pads

Glazed brake pads can also lead to squeaky brakes. This happens when the brake pads get overheated, causing the brake pad material to harden and glaze over the brake rotor’s surface. Glazed brake pads have reduced friction and may result in poor braking performance and annoying squeaks.

To fix this issue, grab a can of the aforementioned Bendix Cleanup and apply it to the surface of the disc on both sides. However, keep in mind that glazed brake pads may have lost some of their effectiveness, so it’s often best to replace them.

Uneven brake wear

Uneven brake pad wear can also contribute to squeaky brakes. If one brake pad is significantly more worn than the others, it can create an imbalance that leads to noise and reduced braking efficiency. Inspect all brake pads and ensure they are wearing evenly. If you notice any irregularities, address the issue promptly and replace the brake pads if necessary.

Lubrication

Lubricating components stops squeaky brakes by creating a smooth surface between moving parts, reducing the likelihood of friction-induced noise and vibrations during braking. To identify whether the components in your braking system require lubrication, follow these steps.

Observe uneven brake wear

Inspect the brake pads for uneven wear. Without proper lubrication, some parts of the brake system may wear down faster than others due to increased friction.

Check for sticking brakes

If you notice that the brakes feel sticky or slow to release after applying them, it could be a result of insufficient lubrication, causing parts to seize up.

Monitor brake pedal feel

A lack of lubrication may result in a spongy or inconsistent brake pedal feel. The brakes might not respond as expected when you press the pedal due to increased friction.

Look for signs of excessive heat

Inspect the brake components for signs of overheating, such as discolouring or a burning spell. Inadequate lubrication can cause excessive heat buildup as the components rub against each other.

Perform a visual inspection

Check the brake components for signs of dryness, corrosion, or visible wear. Properly lubricated brake parts should appear smooth and well-maintained.

Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, get your hands on a product like Ceramasil and follow the directions provided.

A quick read on squeaky brakes

Once you’ve identified the cause of your squeaky brakes, it’s time to rectify the issue. Here are some possible fixes and maintenance tips:

Clean the brake components

Remove any dirt, debris, or glaze from the brake pads, rotors, and calipers using brake cleaner and sandpaper as needed.

Replace worn brake pads 

If your brake pads are worn beyond a safe threshold or are glazed, it’s best to replace them with new ones.

 Lubricate brake components

Applying brake lubricant to the back of the brake pads and where the pads contact the caliper can help reduce noise. 

Inspect and service the brake system regularly

Regularly check your brakes for signs of wear and tear. Have a professional mechanic inspect and service your brake system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Following these steps for squeaky free brakes is sure to see you eliminate disastrous dates and cruise off into the sunset. However, they do require a moderate level of mechanical know-how.

I’m sure this goes without saying, but I was also sure Donald Trump wouldn’t be elected. If you’re not confident in diagnosing or fixing the issue yourself, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the brake repair.