Updated at: 24-01-2022 - By: Lucas

See this advice if you’re fed up with your new brakes screeching and don’t know what to do about it.

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Your brakes may be creating a strange squeaking noise now that you’ve replaced them.

Don’t freak out because it’s a common occurrence.

The answer to your question, “why do my new brakes squeal?” is right here!

Moisture on the rotors is one of the most prevalent causes of squealing new brakes. A thin layer of rust forms on their surface when they are exposed to moisture. The screeching sound is made when the pads rub against the rotors, encrusting them with tiny microscopic particles.

Squealing brakes are a common problem, and we’ve put up a comprehensive guide to help you get to the bottom of it.

To begin, let’s examine the differences between drum and disc brake systems, the two most common types of brakes.

When it comes to the reasons why they create noise, we’ll take a look at a few of the more prevalent ones.

It’s time to get started!

What’s the Difference Between a Drum Kit and a Disc?

Difference Between a Drum Kit and a Disc

Drum

The cast-iron drum-like housing of this mechanism is what gives it its name. Hydraulic fluid is pumped into the wheel cylinder of a car with drum brakes when the brake pedal is depressed.

When activated, two pistons in this cylinder push outwards.

To stop, they press against what’s known as “brake shoes,” which are formed by an arched piece of metal with friction material on one side. Friction is created when the soles of the shoes make contact with the interior of the drum. As a result, the vehicle’s rotation slows down.

There are no more drum brakes on contemporary autos.

However, because of their lower production costs, certain entry-level vehicles continue to use them at the back.

Drum brakes have the disadvantage of being more difficult to maintain than disc brakes. As a result, they also wear out more quickly.

Disc

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is sent to a piston, which then presses against a caliper, just like a drum brake system. The brake pads, which resemble shoes, are housed in a clam-shaped caliper that fits around a piece of the rotor.

The rotor, a metal disc attached to the wheel, is yet another component to be discussed in further detail here. The rotor moves with the wheel as it rotates. Friction is created when the pads contact the rotor, and this is what causes the rotor to rotate more slowly. The rotors have small holes drilled into them to allow heat to dissipate as a result of this interaction.

Because it is simpler and has fewer moving parts, this system is easier to maintain, but it is more expensive to manufacture. Due of the increased stopping force that disc brakes provide, most contemporary cars have them.

The two primary types of braking systems are now clear to you. A look at some of the most prevalent reasons why they shriek is in order.

Common Reasons Your New Brakes Squeal – And How To Quiet Them Down

New Brakes Squeaking

You’ll need to figure out where the squeal is coming from before you begin any repairs. This can be done by lowering the windows and listening for which wheel is making the noise as you brake.

Wet Brake Rotors

Wet rotors, as previously stated, are a leading cause of brake squeals, whether the rotors are new or old.

The rust builds up when moisture accumulates, and when your disc brakes work properly, this rust breaks apart into smaller pieces.

Squealing noises are created when these particles become embedded in the brake pads and are pressed against the rotor. For the most part, it only lasts for a short period of time before disappearing. Not doing so could mean a more serious problem later on.

There isn’t much you can do about this, since you can’t dodge every puddle and avoiding driving when it’s raining is also impractical.

Lack Of Lubrication

Squealing brakes are solely a problem for cars with drum brakes, and it can occur on both new and old brakes. They move outward as a result of piston pressure. Squealing sounds may be heard if there isn’t enough lubrication between them and the backing plate.

If this is the case, remove the drum and apply some brake lubricant to the backing plate where the piston and shoes contact. Look for traces of scraping where the bare metal is visible to identify the problem.

Worn Or Thinning Brake Pads

Even if you’ve just replaced a caliper or rotor without changing your pads, this can still happen.

If you drive a lot, you may need to replace your brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles.

Fortunately, brake pads come with metal indicator tabs towards the bottom, thanks to manufacturers.

A screeching sound is produced when the brake pads grind against the rotor because they are worn or thin. If this occurs, you should replace your brake pads right once to avoid further degradation of stopping power.

The price of a pad can range from $100 to $200 depending on its quality (including labor). Expect to pay $50 to $150 each pad if you know how to replace them.. If you’re not sure how to do this, watch the video below for step-by-step directions.

Glazed Brake Rotors

Because worn rotors develop defects with time, replacing them with fresh brake pads will cause an audible scream. Rotors typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, which is good news. If your brakes haven’t yet reached this threshold, resurfacing them rather than replacing them is likely your only option.

Since most quick-lube shops charge between $10 and $15 to resurface rotors, this is good news. That’s a lot less expensive than buying a new one, which may cost up to $500.

You can alternatively remove the wheel and sand down the rotor’s surface with 1,500-grade sandpaper to do this yourself.

Brake Pads High In Metal Content

Replacement brake pads with a high metal content may also cause squealing in your new brakes.

Iron, steel, copper, and graphite are common metals found in brake pads. When they rub against the rotor, they may make a squeaking sound, depending on the gear ratio.

Glass, rubber, and heat-resistant resins are examples of organic materials that can be used as choices. Despite this, they aren’t always as effective as metallic pads.

Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of copper fibers and ceramic, making them the greatest alternative. These are the quietest and most durable options, but they are also the most expensive.

Don’t Let Squealing Get You Down – Instead, Get Rid Of The Sound

Rather of letting squealing get you down, get rid of it.

Changing your brake pads could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

But if not, don’t spend your money on it.

You should first look into other options, many of which are free or only require a small amount of money to implement.