New break job questions???

[Chris B.]

I just had my 1997 Tahoe's breaks done and I got new pads and rotors. I broke them in using the method in my owners book saying to just be easy on them and no hard breaking for the 1st 200 miles. Afte a couple hundred they started to squeak a bunch. I took the truck back to my mechanic to see if there was something wrong. He said all was ok and mentioned he greased up a few parts that can squeak a bit. The squeak is much better but is still there.
My question is:
Does the above sound normal? Do new breaks normally squeak like that? And if they keep it up is there anything that can be done to quiet them?

Another question I have is sometimes the Tahoe seems to pluse when breaking like the rotors might be warped. The rotors are new. Sometimes breaking is very smooth and has no pluse to it at all. Why might this be? Also my squeaking problem mentioned above the noise goes up and down in pitch like an uneven sound like the rotaors migh be warped and every time it goes around the pads hit that spot causing the squeak if you know what I mean. Why might this be also?
Thank you!!!

 

[charbaby]

Well Chris, Yes! this brake noise does sound normal after having someone install brake parts. This is why I do all of my own brake work. Part of the noise could be coming from the brake friction material itself and other noises may be coming from the lack of proper or enough lubrication on the back of the brake pad themselves. Some techs still use an anti-squeel compound that is either sprayed on or applied with the index finger from a tube,(sort of like buttering toast). I've had mild succuss with these type of products but, I like to use brake caliper lube, which is good for lubricating the caliper sliders as well as the back of the brake pads,(which acts like an anti-squeel compound) and does not dry hard. I also blame the quality of the products used in your new brake service. Your mechanic may be a good friend or just a stranger, I really don't know! He may have used the cheapest brake pads and economy(not name brand) rotors. I would have to see the quality of the parts and service performed.

As far as the pulse feeling that you are getting: This could actually be from your rear brakes which are probably drum brakes,(but may be discs). Im not sure if a 97 TAHOE had rear disc brakes as an option. Or the pulse could be from the new front brakes are not very forgiving. And, Yes! the new discs,(one or both) could be slightly warped and you may experience some pulse when they heat up after several stops.

There are so many variables when it comes to brake noise and pulse. I blame your brake issues on cheaper parts more so than the mechanic that installed the parts. Im sure that your mechanic is well seasoned and has many happy customers. I always use the better if not the highest quality brake part available for my vehicles.

I hope this has helped you and that others will chime in with more advice.

 

[Dark Jedi]

did he use shims on the back of the pads? did he use the silicon lube on the back of the pads? I know you have to do a proper seating of the pads. its something liek 10 stops from 30MPH with steady pressure to a stop. I did the front pads and rotors on my wifes malibu and never had no squeals. like the previous person posted. he might have used cheap pads and rotors. you might want to look into I think they are raybestos quiet stops or something liek that. people that had probs with sueals and such. used these pads and it quiet right up. the pulse could be shims not used and the pad is wobbling in the caliper. I dont know if this can happen but they do put the shims in there for a reason.

I have taken my vehicles to midas and never had a prob with their service. about the only brake service buisness I would trust to do my brakes.

 

[Chris B.]

My Mechanic used AC Delco pads but I don't know what rotors he used. I told him to use the best parts and not to worry about the price.

 

[pitzel]

Chris B., AC Delco markets a few different brands of pads for each car.

For instance, at the factory, GM installs good quality ceramic pads. But at $100 a set + markup, few are willing to pay that for a brakejob -- so they sell a less expensive (read: poorer quality) brand of pad, still under the AC Delco name, for aftermarket work.

If you want the highest quality parts, you have to always insist upon them, and be prepared to pay steeply for them.

 

[Chris B.]

Thanks to all guys!
Looks like I just have to see ow well this break job holds up and next time insist on top quality parts ans maybe even provide them to the machanic.

One last question.
If my breaks squeak frome here on out is it ok to let them squeak? My Mechanic said it is ok and no harm is done other then putting up with the noise. He said they will wear/work just fine with the squeaking.

 

[rpn453]

I used Permatex Disc Brake Quiet on the backs of my squealy pads. It cost me $5 and worked great.

I believe that rotor warpage can occur on brand new rotors when the lugnuts are overtorqued.

 

[robbobster]

Could be an uneven transfer layer (old pad material still on the rotors).

Try bedding your pads. Just google "bed brake pad" and you'll get tons of hits.

 

[charbaby]

All good information!
Dark Jedi, as you said, shims are very important.
Chris B. Yes, you can live with the squeak but you probably won't like it very much. I sure the TAHOE stops just fine.

 

[Chris B.]

Thanks again guys!
I don't know if he used shims. I would hate to ask again as I have alreary been back twice asking questions and he patiently assured me all was ok. He might think I'm second guessing him.

EDIT TO ADD:
I drove around a bunch today and the breaks were quiet all day, no squeaking at all! It was kind of cold and windy so maybe they stayed cool, if that makes a differance with squeaks?

 

[cousincletus]

From my experience the cheap pads are the most rotor friendly and tend to squeal less. I used 15 dollar semi-metallic pads from the local independent parts guy when I did the brakes on my Cavalier and no problems at all. Installed new rotors with the pads. Possible (but rarely happens) your rear drums are shaking.