[KobraKurt]

OK, this isn't a Cobra question but you are all a bunch of highly technical smart guys. Here's the problem - I've got a 1997 Grand Prix GT with 127,000 miles on it. I've also got a '97 GTP with 23,000 miles that has the same problem - BRAKE SQEAL.

I spray the normal stop squeal on the back of the pads, have changes the pads several times, and can't get it to stop.

Any thoughts on the cause of the fix?

 

[travissmithoh]

Kurt,

Is it going forward or reverse? Does it stop after the first couple times you use it on a trip? Are you sure you're not down to the warning squealers?

Some types of brakes (usually higher quality, from what I've been told) will squeal especailly when they're cold.

Just my 2 cents...

Trav

 

[Phantom Cobra]

Long Term Cure:

Remove the brake pads and apply, to the back of the pad, an anti-squeal grease (as per mfg directions.) It's available at most auto parts store. Chamfering the leading and trailing edges of the pad can also help. Reassemble.

Should solve your problem. The grease dampens the high frequency vibration causing the squeal.

Steven

 

[Robert Duncan]

I just had a flashback to a statement I read from a Porsche engineer in the early 70's. He was saying how different the US market was from Europe. In the US people would complain that the brakes squeal, in Europe they would complain if the car didn't stop well.

Have you changed pads in either/both cars recently? The first 250-300 miles of pad life are critical. If they get overheated they will glaze and the surface hardens and will never be right again.

 

[KobraKurt]

Squeals in forward only - hot or cold. I've tried anti squeal grease when I first installed them but only worked for a short while.

I think the problem may be with glazing. The last time I changed them I remember seeing what appeared to be a glaze on the pads - and they didn't have that many miles on them. So how do I fix glazing?

 

[Frank Messina]

Well, it's not a guaranteed fix, but you can try going over the pads and rotors with coarse sand paper to break the glaze. If that doesn't work then your gonna have to go the full Monty, i.e. new pads and turn the rotors. It's been my experience that if you just replace the pads on disc brakes there is a HIGH risk that they're gonna squeak. Good Luck
Frank