Brake Squeal/Squeak '82

[K McM]

Hi guys...

My silver '82 with 17,000 original documented miles is my coolest car ever. Yet, pulling up to an intersection can be embarassing at times. The brakes tend to squeal and at low speeds (like pulling into a garage or into a driveway) they sound out with a raspy squeak. I can't really discern whether the noise is front, rear, or both. They're stainless steel brakes that were installed only a few thousand miles ago by the previous car collector owner. We've replaced one caliper assembly on the passenger-side front because it was leaking brake fluid onto the rotor (the squealing was already happening at the time and has continued). They've always stopped fine, The rotors look great, the pads are like new, and are great except for the noise. Is this a problem pertinent to C3's or 82's--or just my '82? Is it solvable or something to put up with?

 

[Guy]

Welcome to the !

I finally went with organic brake pads. That stopped the squeaking. I'm told this is a common C3 problem, however, my other 82 has not had this problem yet.


Guy

 

[K McM]

Thanks 82-Guy. I'll probably go with the organic brake pads per your comment. It'll be an inexpensive step which may, at best, save the day. And if, not, at least I'll have even newer brake pads than I had before. Appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Guy]

Just remember, although it should cure the noise, organic pads do not have the stopping power that the semi-metalic do. A short test spin and you will know what I mean.

BTW - Nice looking 82 you have there. Of course I'm partial to 82's .


Guy

 

[K McM]

Just remember, although it should cure the noise, organic pads do not have the stopping power that the semi-metalic do. A short test spin and you will know what I mean.

BTW - Nice looking 82 you have there. Of course I'm partial to 82's .


Guy

Hey Guy...
I think at this point I may need to accept the lesser of the two evils and sacrifice stopping power for the confidence of not sending all the dogs' ears in the neighborhood crazy when I pull up squeling in the driveway. Not to mention the condescending looks of the Mustang drivers when I squeak to a stop next to them at intersections. Yikes. Thanks for the compliment...and from what I can see in your photos you have every right to be partial to 82's.

 

[Steve Grodin]

Just remember, although it should cure the noise, organic pads do not have the stopping power that the semi-metalic do. A short test spin and you will know what I mean.

BTW - Nice looking 82 you have there. Of course I'm partial to 82's .


Guy

I have to disagree about the stopping power of organic pads. Under normal driving conditions they work great. You don't need semi-metalic pads unless you are doing auto crossing or road racing.

 

[Guy]

I have to disagree about the stopping power of organic pads. Under normal driving conditions they work great. You don't need semi-metalic pads unless you are doing auto crossing or road racing.

I haven't noticed it because I don't autocross etc., however, I was warned by a couple of mechanics and passed it on.

Welcome to the , Steve.


Guy

 

[K McM]

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd update this thread. I just put the Vette in the shop to have the semi-metallic brake pads replaced with organic ones. They'll turn the front rotors (Now I think most of the squeals were emanating from the front and the rotors were showing some slight glazing) and pack the wheel bearings while things are apart. I'm traveling this week on business so I hope to return to a much quieter vehicle when I get back. Thanks again to everybody for the comments and suggestions. I'll let you know how things go.

 

[K McM]

Back from my trip and picked up the 'Vette. I've driven it for 4 days and the brakes seem much more quiet. Going to the organic brake pads in place of the semi-metallic seems to be the best answer from what I can tell. They aren't totally silent---I still get an occasional brake squeal but it's not nearly as long-lasting as before and I'm so far not getting the raspy squeaking noise that was driving me crazy earlier. Keeping my fingers crossed but so far so good. Thanks. Now as for that air conditioner....