Diagnosing brake squeek

[rumratt]

Yesterday, I started hearing a squeek from the right front brake. I only occurs when I apply the brake lightly, but goes away under hard braking. I recently checked my front left brake pads and they had about 8mm (well, I only checked the outer pad). They are the original pads and have 19K miles on them.

I'm going to go take a look later today, but is there anything I should check other than pad thickness? I can't imagine the right pads are worn down with so much on the left pad. I did bed them originally when I got the car.

Maybe I need to take the pads off and put anti-squeel on the back? (as suggested by Hack (ignroehttp://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=143665&postcount=5)

Maybe I'll just ignore it. :eeps:

[04E46]

Sometimes breaks just do that. I have had a few cars do that. If the brakes are still working fine, I wouldnt worry about it.

How old are they?

[rumratt]

Car is 1.5 years old. They're original brakes, but seem to have reasonable thickness left.

In theory, squeeking is unacceptible and I need to find a solution. In reality, I'm lazy and if it's not causing damage, I might live with it.

The odd part is that the squeeking seems to start before the brakes actually grab. Maybe this suggests a vibration problem as they're just starting to come in contact with the pad... :dunno:

[Gary@Tirerack]

Car is 1.5 years old. They're original brakes, but seem to have reasonable thickness left.

In theory, squeeking is unacceptible and I need to find a solution. In reality, I'm lazy and if it's not causing damage, I might live with it.

The odd part is that the squeeking seems to start before the brakes actually grab. Maybe this suggests a vibration problem as they're just starting to come in contact with the pad... :dunno:

Sounds like vibration to me. The first simple solution I'd try is spraying some anti squeal compound on the back of the pads to help dampen any vibration.

[rumratt]

Sounds like vibration to me. The first simple solution I'd try is spraying some anti squeal compound on the back of the pads to help dampen any vibration.


Thanks gary. Forgive the dumb followup question.. but here goes.

I assume this means taking the pads off, right? They don't make some crazy stuff that you shoot up in there with the pads on the car? :eek:

[Gary@Tirerack]

Sounds like vibration to me. The first simple solution I'd try is spraying some anti squeal compound on the back of the pads to help dampen any vibration.


Right.

Remove the pads and spay the dampening compound on the back, let dry for a bit (instructions on the can) and pop them back on. Solves most common minor vibration squealing from my experience.

[rumratt]

Right.

Remove the pads and spay the dampening compound on the back, let dry for a bit (instructions on the can) and pop them back on. Solves most common minor vibration squealing from my experience.


Thanks gary! :thumbup: :thumbup: