Hey guys... I've had my Hawk Ceramic brake pads for a few years (only driven my car about 12k miiles since they were originally put on). Anyways, I notice the pads squeal HORRIBLY at low speeds (think race pads), but only during the final few feet of braking. Like when I pull out of my garage on a cold night, even mid day actually, but not as bad, they'll squeal, but when I'm stopping around town, they won't squeal until I pretty much stop. I have drilled an slotted rotors as well.

I'm guessing I need to rebed in my pads again, but I think last time I did it (and yes, it was done using the proper procedure from Hawk), I think the squeal was still there? Can't remember and haven't had the time to properly do it again, but I might be able to do it tonight.

Anyways, does anyone know why this is happening even when I have plenty of pad life left? Is anyone else experiencing this as well? I've been searching on other boards and other people are having the same problems and say it's the pads, but there are yet others that have squeal free braking, so I have my doubts it's the pads.

If anyone has any ideas or advice, I'd greatly appreciate it as this is pretty embarrassing on such a nice car, especially when I'm so meticulous with maintenance.

 

My oems have been squeaking lately too. Plenty of life left as I dont AutoX and honestly have never done any crazy hard stops.

 

I have Hawk Ceramics, and I have the strangest brake grinding noise. I am in Canada. Recently it just went away for no reason. This is the 2nd winter I've had Hawk Ceramics. I have plenty of pad life as well. Last winter I never had any noise. But this year, had grinding noises when using the brakes for the first few times on a start (after everything is cold). After awhile, the noise goes away. Recently the temps are still low, and no noise anymore. No idea.

 

^^Yeah. I guess my issue is pretty similar to yours, just squealing instead of grinding

 

I have the exact same issue with you,
when cold starting, the squealing noise lasts maybe a few blocks, after that I am fine.
say u park ur car for 2hrs, and cold starting it, noise comes back and after a few blocks, its gone.
PS: my pad+disc is brand new installed 2months ago

 

My OE 'quality' Pads are squealing too. I'm 99% sure on mine its down to vibrations. I need some Copperslip behind the Pads and on the carriers. they have loads of life left and it only happens when breaking at low speeds.

 

You guys check for surface rust on the rotors? Especially for the people that mention when first driving the car.

 

^^I only have that after I clean the wheels, but for the remainder of the time after that, my car is parked inside, so that's not an issue.

 

Mine squeaks specially early in the morning when i'm reversing out of my garage. After that, it doesn't do it anymore. Anyway, its kinda strange, it only squeaks when i'm reversing.

 

the people in Canada are probably rolling their eyes about a cold weather braking thread from someone who lives in Pleasonton/SLO, CA

try pulling the pads off and clean/relube all the contact points between the pads and the calipers

brake dust and grime gets in there, moisture and then corrosion and/or mineral deposits, etc. it builds up over time and contributes to squealing, which is high frequency pad vibration


.

 

So you don't think rebedding will really be enough right? I'll look in the brake pad lube thing. Thanks.