One reason why your brakes might squeal every time you use them is that they are overheating. In addition to the squealing sounds, you may also smell burning chemicals or a burning carpet. If this is the case, Fastlane Automotive warns that it is dangerous to continue driving your automobile. Overheated brakes will fail eventually. If your brakes are not overheating, the following four issues also cause brakes to squeal all the time.
Anti-Rattle Clips
Your brake pads and pad stays are attached to the calipers using what is called anti-rattle clips. These clips keep the pads and pad stays in place. If any of these clips break, your brakes will squeal because the pads and pad stays are shifting rather than staying still when you apply the brakes. It’s easy to fix this problem by replacing the anti-rattle clips that are broken.
Brake Pads
Your brake pads may also be the reason why your brakes are squealing all the time. For example, if the brakes are overheating, the brake pads will glaze (smooth out) and squeal. They will also squeal when their surface has worn down too much and the brake pads need to be replaced. The squealing can be caused by the low surface, and it can also be caused by indicators embedded in the brake pads.
Pad Insulation
Your brake pads also have pad insulation that was installed during the brake system’s assembly. This insulation is removed and replaced when you have your brake pads replaced. If you just had this service done and your brakes are squealing all the time, it would appear that the mechanic did not replace the insulation even though he or she replaced the brake pads. This could be the reason why your brakes are squealing every time you use them.
Rotors
Finally, the rotor surface is cut to help it generate friction with the brake pads. As you can imagine, the rotor surfaces wear down over time because of the constant friction between the two parts. As such, it is generally recommended that you have your rotor surfaces recut every 60,000 miles to make sure that they are generating friction with the brake pads. If your rotor surfaces are smooth, they could be the reason for the squealing brakes.
Fastlane Automotive is the best auto shop in Orlando, FL, and you can set up an appointment by calling us today. We’d be happy to inspect your brakes thoroughly to find out why they are squealing every time you use them.
