Brake Squeal!

jmangia223 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-08, 11:20 AM

Less than 6K miles just developed a high pitched brake squeal when moderate pressure applied to brakes to stop...very loud. Anyone have similar issue? Any advice? Inspected rotors no obvious signs of scratching or wear.

MoFex · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-08, 11:26 AM

Yes, have the same. Took it to the dealer. Apparently they applied something....worked only for a couple of days....it is back now....just do not have time to go back to the dealer....though I do not know what they actually can do short of changing the pads...

firedawg911 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-08, 01:07 PM

It hasn't happened on my 2008 CTS yet since I only have 1400 miles on it, but I had a similar problem with my 2005 Escalade before I traded it off last month. A mechanic friend of mine suggested that I do a few "hard" stops at about 40 miles per hour to clean the brake rotors. I did as he suggested and it immediately corrected the squeal. Hope this helps.

MoFex · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-08, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedawg911

It hasn't happened on my 2008 CTS yet since I only have 1400 miles on it, but I had a similar problem with my 2005 Escalade before I traded it off last month. A mechanic friend of mine suggested that I do a few "hard" stops at about 40 miles per hour to clean the brake rotors. I did as he suggested and it immediately corrected the squeal. Hope this helps.

Thanks, I will try to do it on my way home. It actually make some sense as the heavy braking should clean any deposit on the rotors....

Will report tomorrow on the results.......

jmangia223 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-08, 10:56 AM

Thanks, I will give it a try also and report on results. I have an appointment at the dealership Thursday morning if this doesn't do it I will have the dealer look at it. Will let you guys know what happens. Thanks, this is a great site due to members like yourselves who respond to posts so quickly!

ngiardina · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-08, 11:46 AM

You can also try to "bed" the pads.
Burnishing Instructions

Make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 30-35 mph applying moderate pressure.
Make an additional 2 to 3 hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph.
DO NOT DRAG BRAKES!
Allow 15 minutes for brake system to cool down.
After step 4 your new pads are ready for use.

docestes · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-08, 01:03 PM

I have had a squeal occurring only at very low speed with very light brake pressure, such as when easing up to a parking curb.

Ihad it inspected by the dealer, and they said there was some "glazing" because the pads were new.

I will try "bedding" the brakes to see if this helps.

UHATEME · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-08, 04:56 PM

Yea, i get this all the time working for mercedes. You guts are just light brakers, soft on the pedal. Just get a few hard stops under your belt and it will take off the glazing. Dealerships really cant do anything about it, just because it's a wear item, warranty won't cover it, at least mercedes.

caddyeyes · #9 (**permalink**) 07-01-08, 11:14 PM

Dealer told me they were putting different pads on the new ones. Took delivery of mine in January. He ordered the pads and replaced them under warranty.

lewisforjesus · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-08, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caddyeyes

Dealer told me they were putting different pads on the new ones. Took delivery of mine in January. He ordered the pads and replaced them under warranty.

That says something good for Cadillac. Always nice to see positives. Thanks for that post.

Lewis

Black08CTS · #11 (**permalink**) 07-02-08, 01:32 AM

I must be one of those light brakers. Two hard brakes did the trick. Thanks for posting this question jmangia. I was about ready to take my car to dealer.

jmangia223 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-08, 11:52 PM

Mine went away after a few hard braking excercises. Had it at the dealer today for regular maintenance and they said no problem.

Raj · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-08, 05:30 PM

I had the same issue but mine was getting worse over time. The dealer ended up changing the pads and I believe they resurfaced the rotors.

dkozloski · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-08, 05:49 PM

The first three tricks to try with squealing brakes:

1)Hard braking for multiple stops in a row.
2)Remove the pads, radius the edges with a file, and do some hard stops.
3)Go to NAPA, get some brake squeal stop stuff in a tube made by Loctite/Balkamp, and follow the directions.

BillM · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-08, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caddyeyes

Dealer told me they were putting different pads on the new ones. Took delivery of mine in January. He ordered the pads and replaced them under warranty.

Which brake package do you have? Would be nice if this addresses the brake dust issue also.