In better than 90% of all cases; front end brake "squeal" rears it's ugly head due to the failure of the vehicle operator to do two important things:
First is properly bedding/seasoning the new brake rotor discs
Secondly is properly deglazing the new brake pads.
All "NEW" vehicle come with "NEW" brake rotor discs and "NEW" brake pads.
In most cases; the new OEM brake rotor discs (and that includes the OEM gravity cast iron Brembo rotors) are NOT directionally surfaced by the manufacturer which further enhances the build up of brake glaze on the rotors surface which contributes to the squealing noise and what may feel like vibration in the front end of your CTSV under high speed steering or hard braking.
Later this evening, when time permits, I will explain how to properly bed new brake rotors and how to deglaze new brake pads from the beginning as if the car was new.
I will also explain what process you must go through to rid yourself of the problem that you now have ( front end squealing and possible vibration); which is a direct result of failing to properly bed the rotors and deglaze the new pads when the vehicle was virtually new.
Installing a new set of brake pads WILL NOT make the problem of squealing go away. You will have to have your 4 brake rotors removed from the vehicle and "turned" on a brake lathe to remove the uneven build up of brake pad glaze that now exists on your brake rotors. You can't see it in most cases with the naked human eye.
Secondly, the existing brake pads should be inspected to make sure that there is no uneven wear on the leading edges. If there is not and they are still serviceable; I will advise you to retain those pads and will instruct you on how to properly bed the rotors and deglaze those exisiting pads, before installing any new pads for performance or whatever your driving habits may be.
If you must replace the pads or intend to replace the pads based on your driving habits; I'll instruct you on how to properly deglaze those new brake pads on your bedded rotors once they have been directionally surfaced or turned.
In a sense; you will be starting over with a "clean slate" with your brake rotor discs. There is nothing wrong with your brake rotor discs or brake pads. They are not warped, nor are the pads faulty. You simply did not "break-in" the braking system when the vehicle was virtually bad new.
Everytime you now brake, your brake pad squealing is coming from the pads "clamping down" onto material mass that has improperly built up on the brake rotors.
It's kind of like having a small pebble in your shoe. It's tiny and the moment you throw the pebble out....comfort returns. You don't throw away the shoes! You get rid of the damn pebble that feels like a boulder in your Nike's!
best regards - Pete Raimondi
Cadillac MotorSports, Ltd.
[email protected]***********************
