You don’t need us here at Clark’s Car Care to tell you that your brakes shouldn’t squeal all the time. If they are making noise every time you use them, there is something wrong with the brake system. Let’s get to the bottom of the reasons why brakes squeal constantly. Your car, truck, or UV’s problem could be any one of the following issues listed below.
Anti-Rattle Clip Breakage
The brake pads are fastened to the calipers by anti-rattle clips. These clips also fasten the brake pad stays to the calipers. As these clips age, they wear down and will eventually break. If you have anti-rattle clip breakage, the pads and pad stays will vibrate every time you use the brakes. It is this vibration that makes the brakes squeal or squeak.
Brake Pad Depth
The brake pads will squeal when they get too low, as well. This is because they have sensors in them that are designed to make noise so you know that it’s time to change the brake pads. These sensors will also illuminate the brake light on your dashboard. If your vehicle has a low pad wear indicator light, the sensors will illuminate that light.
Lack of Insulation
Another thing that will make your brakes squeal all the time is a lack of brake pad insulation. The brake pad insulation is designed to prevent the pads from squealing just like the anti-rattle clips are. If you don’t have any brake pad insulation, which can happen if a technician doesn’t replace it when you have your brake pads replaced, your brakes will squeal every time you use them.
Overheating System
Squealing brakes can also be a sign of a dangerous overheating condition. If your brakes are overheating, you will be unable to stop your automobile. Not only will you hear your brakes squeal, but you may also smell burning chemicals or burning carpet. This is a sign that the brake fluid is so hot it is boiling or that the brake pads have glazed, respectively.
Smooth Rotors
Finally, the rotor surfaces in your car’s brake system need to be recut every 60,000 miles. This is because the surfaces smooth out over time. If your rotor surfaces are smooth, your brakes will squeal every time you use them. If it has been over 60,000 miles since you’ve had a rotor surface recut, now is the time to get one.
Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, would be happy to inspect your brake system to find out why the brakes are squealing all the time. Call us today and we will set up an appointment for you.