Brake Pad replacement question ----

[Eckie]

Last time I replaced my front brakes, I replaced both the pads and the rotors and used Wagner Thermoquiet pads.

However, after completing the task, the brakes always had a light squeal to them -- I assumed it would go away, but never did. I tried taking them off again, looking at them, re-installing them, etc. Figured it must have been something I did wrong, or it was the parts, so I lived with it. Someone mentioned that they always washed/scrubbed the rotors before putting them on, which I hadn't heard of.

It's time to replace these again --- what tips do you guys have for avoiding this when I replace them this weekend?

Thanks!

[BartmanMN]

I always use brake cleaner on new rotors, but that is just to remove the light oil on them that they place on them to prevent rusting. I don't think this has anything to do with squeeks though.

[Jeremy airjer W]

New rotors need to be cleaned before installing as mentioned above.

Thermoquiet pads rarely make any noise.

Always include a Year, Make, Model, and Engine Size when you post an automotive questin. There may be something particular with your vehicle that we may be able to mention that would help solve the issue.

[Eckie]

2007 Chevy Suburban.

FYI -- the squeal I mention was only heard when light to moderate pressure was applied. If I 'got on em'....no noise.

I thought the same of the pads --- I had asked here the last time which pads were recommended -- Airjer -- you liked the Thermoquiets. I had a feeling that the problem was something I must have done, but didn't know what.

How rigorous of a cleaning needs to be done?

Anything else to ensure that my new brakes/rotors will be squeal free?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Hit them with brake cleaner until all the residue is off. Sometimes they have a lighter oily counting that comes off pretty easy and other times they have a thicker more waxy type off coating that will require a little more work to get off. The rotor should look clean when you are done.

I have the bennefit of being able to turn them right before I put them on which will also remove any leftover residue.

I would have lived with the squeak for a month and then warranties them. But that time anything on the rotors should have burned off and you probably would have been fine.