My car's brakes are squeaking - what's wrong? How do I fix this?

Question

my car sounds like an old bus when I brake at red lights. Also, if I drive around town a lot (as opposed to highways) using my brakes, there is a buring smell coming out of my hood. Any answer? thank you

Answer 1

Semi-metallic brakes are made of bits of metal shavings in place of the asbestos material that has been banned by the U.S. government.

These semi-metallic brakes have great stopping power and have a long wear life, but can cause a high-pitched squeal that drives car owners crazy and frustrates mechanics who can't get it to go away to please their customers.

Sometimes brake squeals are an indication that maintenance is required. Some common conditions that cause brake noise are:

1. Heat cracked or worn "un-true" rotors
2. Rough finish on resurfaced rotors
3. Loose fitting brake pads in the caliper
4. Lack of silicone compound on back of brake pad
5. Missing springs or anti-rattle clips that should be on the caliper or pad
6. Improper tightening sequence of lug nuts or caliper hardware

If you hear disc brake noises other than a squeal, it could mean your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. If your brake pedal feels different than normal or if you've noticed any change in the way your vehicle brakes (pulls to one side when braking or requires more pressure on the brake pedal), have the brake system inspected at once.

What can you do as a customer to reduce the chance of squealing brakes?

First of all, noisy brakes should always be inspected to make sure there isn't a problem with the braking system. If the pads have worn down to the point where metal-to-metal contact is occurring, your vehicle may not be able to stop safely, and you may damage the brake rotors or drums to the point where they have to be replaced.

Sometimes a few harder-than-normal stops can "de-glaze" the brake pads and help reduce the squealing noise for a while.

Answer 2

New brake shoes have a break in period. They need a few thousand miles(5000 or so) to seat in properly, unless he used cheap quality shoes, then they will squeak forever. Also it could just have a build up of brake dust on the rotor, take it to a car wash and hose the brakes off good and see what happens.

Answer 3

Brake pads are equipped with squealers so you will know when it is time to change your brakes, this is probably what you hear.
The burning smell could be many things, it is hard to say without be with the car.

Answer 4

Do you drive down hill alot?If so,and assuming it's an automatic,drive in 2nd.That way you won't heat your brakes.
A good start is to check your brake fluid.If it smells burnt,time for a flush.
If you have open style rims,your rotors may have gotten rusty,hence the squeeling & smell.
Best bet,is take it to a garage.It may be minor,or more.

Answer 5

Your brakes are shot, take it to a mechanic.you could be endangering your life.P.S. you should always check your brake fluids at least 1 time every 6 months.

Answer 6

You need new brake pads. Bring it in to a shop, most will do a free inspection of the pads for you.

Answer 7

Wet brake pads,after they dry will squeal when brake is applied. It could be another problem,especially if the car does stop properly.

Answer 8

definitely time for new break pads if they haven't fallen off already. If they have then ... you need to get them fixed now.

Answer 9

It could also mean that your rotors are glazed from short trips?

Answer 10

ADD OIL AND GET THE MIDAS TOUCH