unbearably squeaky brakes

[Tom_90]

my car has recently developed a nails down the blackboard style of squeak on the breaks, i had them on new last summer so they can't be worn out. I was just wondering if there was any way to stop them squeaking other than replacing them? Thanks

 

[Neat]

I'm no mechanic - but maybe copper slip (others' call it copper grease) on the back of the pads? (i.e. on the back of the metal backing plate, against the caliper/piston. Just be sure not to get any on the friction material or discs.) You can get it from Halfords and the like. It prevents the vibration that causes the squealing.

 

[Danith]

is it like this? it's doing my head in!! does it on turn in too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foodbeast04/7355650242/

 

[Cupman29]

Take the pads out and file a nice 1mm chamfer round the pad edge. This should cure it.

 

[Danith]

cheers dude. maybe also an excuse to upgrade the pads? why would it also squeal when off the brakes but just turning in?

 

[Cupman29]

The squealing will more than likely be a lip that has formed on the edge of the pad on the outside of the disc. Even when you're not pressing the brake pedal the pad and disc are still touching with no pressure so the pad still vibrates with the friction.

 

[Danith]

You sir are a leg-end. Thanks for the explanation! Gonna take a look at these ASAP.

If I were to replace, what would you recommend (bearing in mind that I don't track the car, and don't belt it down country roads that much anymore).

I hear good things about Brembo's and DS2500 or something but they're like £120.

Anything good for midrange budgets?

 

[Cupman29]

Go for standard pads and discs then. More than capable for your needs.

Brembo HC discs might be cheaper than OE discs but not sure.

 

[Danith]

and again, thanks a lot buddy. what about ebc redstuffs - so there's less brake dust/cleaning.

 

[Cupman29]

No problem mate.

Never tried them but from what I hear EBC stuff is poor. Less dust probable means they will wear the disc faster anyway. Lol

I'd just go for standard.

 

[Danith]

sold! cheers dude, standards it will be then.

 

[James28]

I can only echo what Cupman29 has said.
I'd reccommend getting them from G 172 on here. He can do OEM spec Brembo discs and pads for best price.
Failing that Ebay is cheapest for Renault Genuine ones.

 

[Danith]

yeah been clocking g172's posts and defo gonna get the brembo discs when mine are up for renewal. for now i need to file down these pads cos its so annoying!

 

[Don]

I can only echo what Cupman29 has said.
I'd reccommend getting them from G 172 on here. He can do OEM spec Brembo discs and pads for best price.
Failing that Ebay is cheapest for Renault Genuine ones.

Try t21ads on here...can get genuine renault stuff pretty damn cheap.

 

[Danith]

sorry, being a mong. im at my mates garage now and got the pads out, which/where will this lip be - where do i sand it down?

 

[Cupman29]

Round the outer edge of the pad, the bit that would be to the outside of the disc. When you've got them out make sure the pad face isn't glazed by giving it a rub with some coarse emery paper. Do not breath the dust in so wear a dust mask!

 

[Danith]

Cheers dude. Cleaned up the shim plates, sanded the edges down with a tyre puncture sander thingy, cleaned the back up and went mental with the copper grease. Seems ok at the mo, a motorway mission in a min will tell for sure. Cheers

 

[jamesd1263]

Speak to g172 on here mate, guys a great help and very good on prices

 

[Danith]

Seems to have done the trick! I thought it was top mounts so cheers for saving me a few quid!

 

[Cupman29]

Glad you're sorted mate.

There are lots of simple DIY maintenance you can do to keep your brakes tip top and don't require a great deal of mechanical knowledge. Just make sure you are confident enough to not make an arse of it and put it back together the same way it comes off.

 

[Danith]

Was gonna put my new cup shocks on aswell while I was on a roll, but the bloody things didn't come with the plastic sleeves/gators! What's that all about?!

 

[Cupman29]

You'll need a spring compressor for the fronts but the backs are straight forward.