As a car owner, I know how annoying it can be for your brakes to squeak anytime you hit the brake pedal. I’ve been there. It can be very irritating and uncomfortable. So, in this article, I will be telling you how you could stop the brakes from squeaking without taking the tire off.
Materials Needed to Stop the Squeaking Brakes
Here are the lists of the materials you need:
- Brake cleaner spray
- Silicone-based brake lubricant
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Small brush (optional)
How to Stop Brakes From Squeaking Without Taking Tire Off
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stop brakes from squeaking without taking the tire off:
Step 1: Park the Car Safely
Park your car on a flat surface where it is stable and won’t roll away, and engage the parking brake to add an extra layer of security to prevent the vehicle from moving.
You should also make sure the car is in “Park” (automatic) or in gear (manual) to prevent the vehicle from moving. If possible, use wheel chocks or a heavy object to block the wheels for added safety.
Step 2: Access the Brakes
Turn the steering wheel to one side to have better access to the brake parts through the wheel openings. Doing this should make it easier to clean the brakes and apply lubricant.
For the front brakes, turn the wheel to the left to access the right-side brakes and to the right to access the left-side brakes.
Step 3: Clean the Brakes
Spray the brake cleaner generously on the brake rotor and caliper. To do this, you need to position the nozzle of the brake cleaner spray can through the wheel openings.
Aim at the rotor (the disc) and the caliper (the clamp-like device) and apply the cleaner. The brake cleaner will dissolve and remove any brake dust, oil, and grime.
The cleaner will dissolve contaminants, which will then drip off the brake components. This process might be messy, so you may want to place a tray or some old newspaper under the wheel to catch the runoff.
You can also use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe down the rotor and caliper after spraying to ensure that no residue is left behind that could contribute to squeaking.
Step 4: Apply Brake Lubricant
Look through the openings in the wheel to find the brake pads. They are the flat components that press against the rotor to stop the car. Apply a small amount of silicone-based brake lubricant to the back of the brake pads:
You can use a small brush or your fingers to make the application. Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the back side of the brake pads (the side that touches the caliper, not the rotor). The lubricant will help reduce vibrations that cause squeaking.
However, while doing this, be very careful to avoid getting any lubricant on the rotor or the front side of the brake pads, as this can affect the car’s braking performance. Make sure the lubricant is spread evenly across the back of the pads for maximum effectiveness.
Step 5: Check for Loose Parts
While you have access to the brakes, take a moment to check for any loose parts. This includes caliper bolts and pad retaining clips.
If you find any loose components, use the appropriate tool (usually a socket wrench or screwdriver) to tighten them securely. Loose parts can cause rattling and contribute to brake noise.
Step 6: Test Your Brakes
After cleaning and lubricating, sit in the driver’s seat and press the brake pedal a few times to help the lubricant spread evenly and allow you to check for any immediate issues.
Take your vehicle for a short drive, drive at a low speed, and apply the brakes several times to see if the squeaking has stopped.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds, grinding noise, or changes in braking performance. If the brakes still squeak, you might need to repeat the cleaning and lubricating process.
However, if repeating the process and the squeaking continues, it could mean a more serious issue like worn brake pads, damaged rotors, or other mechanical problems that require professional inspection.
So, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic to perform a more thorough inspection and diagnose the issue. If the cause of the squeaking is worn brake pads, the mechanic will replace the pads immediately.
If for example, the cause of the squeaking is a result of worn brake pads, the only way to stop the noise is by replacing the pads, and that means removing the tires. Applying the brake lubricant might be a temporary fix but sooner or later, the squeaking will start again.
Moreover, since brake parts are exposed to a lot of dust and grime, which can cause noise, develop the habit of regularly maintaining your car’s brakes to help keep it clean and functioning properly.
Even if your brakes aren’t squeaking, regular inspections can help you catch issues before they become serious problems.
Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants as they can damage rubber components and reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. Always use a high-temperature silicone-based brake lubricant.
What are the Causes of Squeaking Brakes
Here are the causes of squeaking brakes in cars:
- Worn Brake Pads: When brake pads wear down, the metal wear indicators can come into contact with the brake rotor, causing a squeaking sound to alert you that it’s time to replace the pads. This is usually the common cause of squeaking brakes.
- Glazed Brake Pads or Rotors: If the brake pads or rotors become glazed due to excessive heat, they can become hard and smooth, resulting in a squeaking noise when braking.
- Dust and Debris: Accumulation of dust, dirt, or debris on the brake pads or rotors can cause a squeaking sound.
- Moisture: Moisture from rain, dew, or car washes can cause a thin layer of rust to form on the rotors, leading to squeaking until the rust is worn off.
- Brake Pad Material: Certain brake pad materials, especially those that are metallic or semi-metallic, can produce more noise than others.
- Lack of Lubrication: If the brake components are not properly lubricated, especially the backing plates and caliper pins, it can cause squeaking noises.
- Installation Issues: Improper installation of brake pads or rotors can lead to squeaking noises. This includes issues like misalignment or not securing the pads properly.
- Brake Pad Shims: Worn-out or missing shims can cause brake pads to vibrate, leading to squeaking noises.
- High-frequency Vibration: Sometimes, high-frequency vibration between the brake pads and rotors can cause a squeaking sound.
- Thin Rotor: Rotors that have been machined too thin during resurfacing can become prone to squeaking.
How to Identify Different Squeak Types in Brakes
Here’s how to know the different squeak types in brakes to help you know what you’re dealing with:
- Intermittent Squeak: This kind of squeak occurs sporadically, is not consistent, and is caused by either dust or debris between the brake pad and rotor, or light contact with the wear indicator on the brake pad. You can fix this kind of squeak by inspecting and cleaning the brake components, or by checking the condition of the brake pads.
- Continuous Squeak When Braking: This persistent kind of squeak occurs every time the brakes are applied. It is caused by either worn brake pads, glazed brake pads or rotors, or lack of lubrication on the back of the brake pads. All you have to do is inspect the thickness of the brake pads, check for glazing on the pads and rotors, and ensure there’s proper lubrication on the backing plates.
- Squeak When Brakes are Cold: Squeaking noise when first driving the car and disappears after the brakes warm up. This kind of squeaking is caused by moisture causing a thin layer of rust on the rotors, or brake pad material reacting to temperature changes. To fix this, check your rotors for rust buildup.
- Squeak at Low Speed: Squeaking noise at low speeds, especially during light braking. This kind of squeaking is caused by glazed brake pads or rotors, or high-frequency vibration of brake components. This can be fixed by checking the condition of the pads and rotors for glazing. You should also check the brake components for proper installation and alignment.
- Squeak When Turning: Squeaking noise when turning, possibly accompanied by a grinding sound, caused by either worn wheel bearings or debris caught between the rotor and brake shield.
- Squeak After Brake Service: New squeaking noise after recent brake service caused by improper installation of brake pads or rotors, use of low-quality brake pads, or lack of lubrication on brake components. Therefore, recheck the installation of the brake components, verify the quality and compatibility of the brake pads, and make sure there’s proper lubrication where necessary.
- High-Pitched Squeal: This is a very high-pitched squealing noise caused by the use of metallic or semi-metallic brake pads, or vibration between the brake pad and caliper. You can consider switching to a different type of brake pad material, using anti-squeal shims, or applying an anti-squeal compound to the pads.
Conclusion
Brake squeaking is a common issue that can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from simple accumulation of brake dust and moisture to more complicated issues like worn brake pads or damaged hardware.
Therefore, to stop your brakes from squeaking without taking the tire off, you need to buy a brake cleaner spray, and a silicone-based brake lubricant which you should apply to the squeaking brakes to stop the sound.
Also, you should maintain your brakes regularly, use high-quality brake components, and ensure proper installation to reduce the chances of your brakes squeaking.
However, if the squeaking persists despite your efforts, it’s advisable to seek professional inspection to ensure your braking system is functioning safely and efficiently.
