Every driver tries to keep the vehicle in its best condition, and most people visit a repair shop as soon as they find any issues. As a driver, you may face a scenario where you pick up the vehicle from the repair shop with new pads and rotors and find out that the brakes are squeaking.
In such a case, you might be wondering why there is brake noise after new pads and rotors. It can be a little complicated, as there could be a few reasons for that and it is better to find a solution to this problem.
How Do Brakes Work?
In order to fight the problem, you need to recognize the root causes of the problem.
Your car's brakes are one of the most important safety features. So it's important to understand how they work.
There are two types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes are more common on newer cars, while drum brakes are more common on older cars.
Disc brakes work by using a caliper to squeeze a brake pad against a spinning disc, or rotor. The friction between the pad and the rotor slows the wheel down.
Drum brakes work by using shoes that press against the inside of a drum to slow the wheel down.
Both types of brakes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Disc brakes are more effective at dissipating heat, so they're less likely to fade during heavy braking. They're also less likely to warp from heat. However, they're more expensive to repair than drum brakes. Drum brakes are simpler and cheaper to repair, but they're not as effective at dissipating heat.
As you can see, both brakes work through the friction of the two surfaces against each other. And that's where you should look for the cause of the noise. Maybe your brakes were making noises before and you just weren't paying attention. It may be that after you install a new set of brakes, they need to be lapped - give them a few days and if the problem doesn't go away, maybe your problem is described further.
What Are The Reasons For Brake Noise After New Pads And Rotors Are Installed?
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There could be a stone in your brake system
Noisy brakes might be due to several reasons, and a stone between the rotor and the caliper could be one of them. The driveways in rural areas are covered with large trees, and it isn't that uncommon for a wheel to pick up a stone, a twig, or other debris. This can cause some of the most annoying noises in the vehicle. So, if squeaking still occurs, the prime suspect can be a foreign object stuck between the rotor and the brake pad.
If that squeaking sound from your brakes continues to annoy you for a long time, then do not ignore it - better take your car to service or inspect the braking system yourself. If a stone or other foreign object is lodged between the brake pad and disc, it can have catastrophic consequences! Not only will it destroy your brakes, at the crucial moment it may simply not work.
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The material of the brake pad
Another explanation for squealing new brakes is if the replacement pads are high in metal content. Most brake pads include a blend of metals, including iron, steel, copper, and graphite. They may squeal as they brush against the rotor depending on the proportions.
There are various materials used to make pads that are organic in nature, such as glass, rubber, and heat-resistant resins. However, these often fall short of the performance of metal pads.
The second alternative (but arguably the finest) is ceramic brake pads, which are composed of a mix of copper fibers and ceramic. These are the quietest and longest-lasting choices, but they're also the most expensive.
If you can't stand the squealing sound that appears even after new brake pads and rotors are installed, consider replacing your brake pads for ones with less metal.
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Some of the elements of your brake system are worn
This problem can only occur if you change each component individually - both the brake discs and the brake pads need to be in perfect condition for the brakes to work smoothly and properly. If one component is new and the other is worn out, you will still hear a squeaking sound from your brakes. So it is advisable to check the condition of one element as well - it might be more reasonable and cheaper to replace them at the same time and avoid unpleasant sounds and other unpleasant consequences
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Weather
If you hear brake noise after new pads and rotors in rainy conditions or in the morning, then the moisture in the air could be a reason. Water can cause a very thin layer of rust that builds upon the rotors. This can cause the pads to temporarily squeak until they are warmed up, or the rust is worn off by stopping several times.
When water or some ice accumulates on the rotor, it can create this squealing sound. Fortunately, this does not last long, and after a few hard stops, it will go away. If not, the problem might be more serious.
This isn't something that can be fixed since there is no technique to anticipate every puddle and not going when it's raining is inconvenient.
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Lack Of Lubrication
If you find out that your car's brakes are making a scraping sound even after new brake pads and rotors are installed, when pressing against the drum, it could be because there isn't enough grease on hand to keep them moving smoothly. To fix this problem quickly and easily just apply some brake fluid directly onto the affected area where metal meets rubber until shiny liquid comes out another side - then voila: all better again.
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Your Brake Pads/Calipers Are Too Big
Perfectly sized brake system components are installed from the factory. They are designed to work perfectly without causing any interference. But if you decide to improve your brakes, and make them bigger and more reliable, you may find that your brakes end up being larger than the car's design can handle. This will cause them to get in the way while you're driving, clinging to the rims, and making strange noises as a result. So when making any changes to the car, make sure that these changes do not affect the performance of the car in the future.
How much time does it take for the brakes to stop making noise?
Even if the brakes and rotors have been changed, there is a possibility that you may have brake noise after new pads and rotors. Usually, it takes a few hundred miles after new pads and rotors are installed when you drive a car under normal braking conditions so that the brake pads can be worn in. However, it all depends on your driving habits because it can take shorter or longer.
The brake pads need to heat up when the car is run for some time, and because of this heating, you can get rid of the squeaking sound. You can also let the brake pads wear in, and it can take a few hundred miles for the brake pad compounds to develop transfer film on the rotors. Therefore, it can take long before the noise stops.
Bottom Line
There are several causes of brake noise after new pads and rotors are installed, and it is always to recommended to take it seriously. If you cannot find a solution to stop the brake noise, you can study this material, which describes even more reasons for extraneous noise during braking. If that doesn't help fix the problem. it will be better for you to go to the car mechanic to have a thorough checkup. This is the best way to ensure that there is nothing serious with the brakes.