This is a paragraph from Wildwood brakes about squealing.
Q: Why do my brakes clunk or squeal when I apply them?
A:
Some of the noises can be minimized; others are an unavoidable result of the incredible friction levels obtained in today's high-performance racing brake pads.
Sounds that are mechanical such as clunks, bangs and rattles may be caused by missing or worn out "anti-rattle" devices that are designed to place a small amount of tension on the brake pad in the caliper, limiting its free play movement. The easiest way to silence these noises is to replace any missing or damaged anti-rattle clips.
Squeal may emanate from a number of sources; however, it most commonly comes from a harmonic that develops between the caliper piston and the pad backing plate. Applying our noise absorption shims usually reduces the backing plate to piston squeal. Our noise absorption shims are an elastomeric dampening material over a steel shim, which installs between the pistons and backing plate. Noise absorption shims are available for both our Dynalite and Superlite brake pads. If further noise reduction is required, you may want to switch to our Polymatrix Q compound pads. Our Q compound pads were specifically designed for low noise and low dust. Accomplishing the goals of very low noise and dust requires that the pads have a lower coefficient of friction than our standard pads, and therefore you may notice a slight decrease in braking performance. If you have any questions, please contact a Wilwood Sales Technician at 805-388-1188 or email
Sales/Tech Support.
Didn't see the answer to your question?
Call Wilwood Technical Support; we're glad to help.
Phone: (805) 388-1188
Email: Sales/Tech Support
This is from Hawk Brakes.
There are a number of reasons why a person can experience brake noise. Sometimes brake squeal can be an indicator that there is a problem. Maintenance is required if you experience brake squeal for any of the following reasons:
- Lack of friction material (brakes need to be replaced)
- Loose fitting brake in the caliper
- Loose fitting or missing brake hardware (i.e. shims, anti-rattle clips)
- Loose lug nuts or caliper hardware
- Debris caught between the rotor and the surface of the brake pad
- Heat cracked or worn rotors
- Uneven finish on resurfaced rotors
Sometimes a user may experience brake noise when no maintenance is required. We call these NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) issues. Brake squeal is typically caused by vibration between the brake pads, rotors, and brake calipers. Some brands of semi-metallic brakes are more likely to experience brake squeal due to the metallic ingredients in the brake pads. Hawk Performance has a great reputation for being a low noise, high performance pad.
I switched to Hawk HPS pads....they are great, no noise and minimal dust.