Brake Squeak.....

[2001BMW325xi]

Last coupla days I have been getting this high pitched squeaking sound from my rear brakes (at least that where the sound comes from)....... there are no brake sensors lighting up so I am not sure what seems to be the problem? Someone told me its dust that gets into the brake pads that rubs against the rotors and nuthion to worry about..........has anyone had a similar probelm. My car is still under warranty shud I just replace the brakes al together??? Please advise

[brien4787]

look to see if your brake pads are worn, or just go have your mechanic check.

[jdmfan13]

My front and rear's both squeak. Apparently it's normal, at least thats what I was told... first started happening when the vehicle had 2k miles on it.

[2001330d]

Your squeakfrom the rear is probably not coming from the brake pads, it is most likely from the brake shoes.
On BMW's with disc brakes at the rear there are a second set of brakes.
If you look at the disc you will see the caliper, this is operated by the foot brake. Where the wheel bolts on there is a drum, within this there is a set of brake shoes operated by the parking brake, if you apply the parking brake as normal you will sometimes hear a squeak when you get in/out of the car, this indicates that the rear parking brake might be sticking.
You dealer should sort this for you.

[peterkulesza]

ahhh, try this:

slow the car down a few times by applying the parking brake down from 20 mph. this will clear all the crud out of it, it usually rusts a bit.

if still squeals in the rear: if you have stock pads, the sound is produced not by the friction pad material grinding on the rotor surface, but rather by pad vibration. this is easily cured by applying an adhesive paste to the back of the pad. any competent shop can do this. it may be wise to replace the pads at that time anyway to save on future labour costs....

[ACSTypeI]

squeeking can also be caused by crystalization... in other words.. you're braking really lightly, generating massive amounts of heat, and the pads are cooling too quickly causing crystalization...those rubbing against the rotors will cause squeeking... if this is the case...


from a good speed.. saaaaaayyy 100 mph.. .. just kidding.. like 40 mph should be good.. step on the brakes HARD! just like some kid runs infront of your car.. slam on the brakes, but don't lose traction..

ideally, to prevent this.. you should be braking late and hard (not as hard as above.. i guess kind of like when you think you can make the red light but decide not to at the last second.. a little bit less than that..).. this prevents heat build up and protects your rotors from warping, however, you will go through brake pads faster... but it's not practical to drive like this on the street.. mainly because of other drivers and vehicles (not all brakes are created equal.. and definitely not all drivers).. you drive like that and you'll be having someone slam into your rear in a weeks time..

[alpinestar]

...add to this, with the brakes in working order and no brake problem indicator light on...the dealer will tell you any of the above mentioned and also say that brakes and other parts that are designed to wear out are not covered by BMW (unless it is excessively wearing or prematurely worn to indicate an obvious problem).

[skawful]

I am pretty sure it is because of the tempature of the pad... at least thats what happens to me... even on brand new brakes...

[2001BMW325xi]

Thanks for all the replies.........I am taking the vehicle to the local mechanisc on tuesday........someone also told me that squeaking can also happen if dust particles get into the brakes during summer seasons especially when its hot and humid........for example when I wash my car and the wheels are cool the brakes dont squeak at all. Then as the week progresses the squeaking begins and yes if I break slowly....(like coming to a stop sign slowly).....the squeaking gets harder.........as opposed to when I brake hard.....I had a similar probelm with my motorcycle and i just used a brake spray and it got okay.........anyways was thinkin of getting new shoes and pads. Thanks a lot for the replies