Squeaky Brakes

[Stallion]

We just took out the Vette over the weekend and I noticed that my brakes were sqeaking a little bit when applied. I'm guessing that this is just the brake pads that I need to change? Not to big of a job, I hope. Something I can do soon.

But just verifying that this is probably the problem, right? Just need to change the brake pads? If so, what pads do you use for your Vette?

Thanks!!

 

[Wolverine]

I fixed my squeaking problem by changing the pads - solved the problem 100%. I switched to a non-metalic pad.

This is a realy easy job if you order the clip to retain the caliper pistons while installing the new pads. A PITA without it.

Brian

 

[Stallion]

I assume I need to, of course, remove the wheels to get at the calipers and pads. But besides that, any other work that needs to be done? And, what do you guys do for jacks for your Vette? Anything special we Vetters need to be the wheels off the ground?

Thanks!!

 

[page62]

Personally, I'd let it squeak until you have a real problem. Sometimes, replacing pads without turning rotors can cause even worse squeaking!

BTW: Mine squeak. So do the ones on my Jeep. Blame it on not being able to use asbestos anymore...

 

[80vette_ca]

Non-metallic

I've heard that the non-metallic brake pads may not squeak, but they don't stop as well. Anybody know if this is true because I was thinking of replacing my pads to an organic pad. I hear hawk brake pads are great, but they are really argressive.

 

[Wolverine]

80Vette-
Based on what I have heard, the problem with organic brakes is that the wear out faster, not that they don't work as well. I'm no expert, thought.

Stallion-
What you need is a good set of jack stands, and if you plan on getting under your vette much you might as well buy a hydraulic floor jack too. Replacing pads is a really easy task, compared to everything else that breaks on a Vette. They are held in place with a pin. Pull the pin, pop out the old pads, and insert the new ones.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

If he is going to change the pads, what about machining the rotors!??:confused

 

[Don&Kelly]

My pads are metalic & they sqeek, but they stop real well ...

 

[Stallion]

"Sometimes, replacing pads without turning rotors can cause even worse squeaking!"

Are you serious? What are the chances of this? Becuase I'm sure I'll have to replace the pads soon one way or another, but will I really need to turn the rotors?

"What you need is a good set of jack stands"

What brand and where did you get yours?

Thanks!!

 

[Wolverine]

Stallion-

You can get jackstands about anywhere. They come in pairs. I bought mine at Murry's Discount Auto for around $24/pair as I remember. I don't think the brand is as important as the weight rating. I feel a lot better being underneath the car with jack stands that are well under their weight capacity.

 

[JohnZ]

Disc brakes squeak, especially with the current non-asbestos pad compounds; no reason to worry about replacing the pads just because they squeak occasionally. You replace pads because they're worn, not because they squeak; take a look at the pads and don't worry about them unless they show a lot of wear or are unevenly worn inner-vs.-outer. I wouldn't even THINK about having the rotors done unless they show significant scoring; OEM rotors will last forever with OEM-type pads - the more aggressive "race" pads (totally unnecessary on the street) will wear the rotors, but the OEM pads don't.

 

[page62]

I concur with JohnZ. He is much more on the mark than I.

Live with the squeaks. Most of us do...

But get some good jackstands. When I get under a car, I like to have at least 2 things supporting the car; i.e., the jack PLUS jackstands. Ramps are good too, especially the new plastic Rhino ramps!

 

[born2saw]

TR

NEVER get under a car supported by a jack. The jack is just to raise the car. Get 4 jackstands (about $20.00 a pair at sears when on sale with a 3 ton rating) and place them at the jacking points. Your owners manual or service manual will show you where to place them. Make sure you loosen the lug nuts with all four wheels on the ground as it is much easier. I would have someone who knows a little about brakes inspect yours before you replace them. Disc brakes squeak and there are many products that can be applied to the back of the pad to stop the squeak and they work to some degree, but may not eliminate them.

My brakes squeak but stop the car great and are not worn. Just part of the "appeal" of owning a classic car.

 

[Eagle85C4]

I cannot believe folks put up with it....I don't....

Old mechanics trick..... before installing pads spray backside of pad with high temp paint...let dry spray second coat let dry. install...no squeal....

What happens is like finger nails on a chalk board....you have 2 disimilar materials that at a certain frequency or rpm oscillate causing the squeal. Like the fingernails is you drag them to fast no noise....too slow same thing....but drag them at the right speed the nails oscillate against the board producing the sound that makes one cringe.

The paint provides a barrier of sorts that does not allow the pad to oscillate. There is also commercially available a sticky back pad that you paste to the back of the pad and it does not allow it to squeal. Check the Mid-America catalog....

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I'll just leave the brake pads alone for now. And I definitely will invest in those jacks and jack stands. Of course I'll be under her a lot and I do need the safety and assurance of the stands.

Thanks!!

 

[sscam69]

Stallion

Inspect the brakes anyways.

I have had 3 cars up to now (including my vette) and the first thing that I do is a complete tune up.

-Oil Change
-New Oil filter
-Change brake pads and turn rotors
-Fuel filter
-Air filter
-Spark plugs & wires (if necessary)
-Fuel injector cleaner

I do it just for piece of mind. I know exactly in what shape these items are in and start to keep a log for regular maintence.

You don't have to do all that, but just check so you know what condition their in.

Frank

 

[BlackNBlue95]

kinda like someone already mentioned with brake squeeks one way to help cure them is to put a high temp anti-size we use wurth or worth I forget the spelling.. it's I think cu-440 we put a coating on the back side of the pad so that when it virbrates or rubs against the caliper it will not produce the nails on chalkboard effect.. I have yet to have a come back for brakes either for noise or stoping..
-Rick

 

[Stallion]

Stallion

Inspect the brakes anyways.

I have had 3 cars up to now (including my vette) and the first thing that I do is a complete tune up.

-Oil Change
-New Oil filter
-Change brake pads and turn rotors
-Fuel filter
-Air filter
-Spark plugs & wires (if necessary)
-Fuel injector cleaner

I do it just for piece of mind. I know exactly in what shape these items are in and start to keep a log for regular maintence.

You don't have to do all that, but just check so you know what condition their in.

Frank

Thanks for that list!! When the weather warms up I will definitely change the oil and filter, and the air filter too, as well as the fuel filter. I agree, I just got her and I don't really know the condition of those (except the air filter, which is a little dirty and might cause her to run a little rich, so I'll change that). The plugs look to be in good condition, though.

Thanks!!