ThermoQuiets SQUEALING?!?!

[nthach]

A few weeks ago, I replaced the brakes again on the Quest - the Bendix pads I put in were dragging and I put on Wagner ThermoQuiet PD576 pads and 1 new rotor from Kragen via warranty exchange. I didn't replace the passenger side rotor and the brakes on that side would groan and grind when it was cold, so I swapped that side out. The driver side squeals when it's cold - but when the brakes warm up they're quiet most of the time. On the driver's side, I installed an aftermarket pin bushing kit and a oversized size pin - I replaced the knuckle only to find out one of the holes was stripped! The slide pins were lubed in Silglyde, while the pad sliding surfaces got a coat of Sta-Lube brake lube. I didn't have the magical Molykote M-77 on hand, I need to reup from my connections at Honda.

The pads are ceramic - but is it normal for these pads to squeal when it's cold? They're great once things have warmed up.

 

[The Critic]

Try replacing the clips that the pads sit on. I don't like replacing just the bushings; if the caliper hardware is old enough for that stuff to need replacement, then a remanufactured caliper is a good idea since the o-rings are probably not allowing the piston to fully retract.

 

[nthach]

The brakes on this car are a simple Ford/Bendix caliper - the pad ears ride on the steering knuckle. There are no support ledges like on Japanese cars. I replaced the passenger side caliper with a Cardone reman when I thought the brakes were dragging because of that to no avail. The only hardware are rubber bushings in which the caliper slides on.

Squeaking aside, the brakes work great - the dragging or chirping I heard is gone.

 

[The Critic]

I don't understand. You installed new pads, but only replaced the passenger side rotor. And now the driver side is squeaking. Is that correct?

If so, then the next step should be to resurface the driver's side rotor.

 

[SAATR]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't understand. You installed new pads, but only replaced the passenger side rotor. And now the driver side is squeaking. Is that correct?

If so, then the next step should be to resurface the driver's side rotor.


Definitely should have had the driver side rotor resurfaced or replaced. This removes all the pad material left by the old pads and ensures a clean, true contact surface to bed the new pads. Resurface that rotor and buff the pad lightly with some 400 grit sandpaper to remove any glazing and try again. I'd be will to bet that it corrects the issue.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I have the Wagner ThermoQuiets on my minivan, and they squeal very loudly when cold, and sometimes even when warm when applied moderately. All four rotors were resurfaced when the brakes were changed, too. I'm not impressed with them at all.

 

[nthach]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't understand. You installed new pads, but only replaced the passenger side rotor. And now the driver side is squeaking. Is that correct?

If so, then the next step should be to resurface the driver's side rotor.

The driver's side rotor was replaced when the pads were changed.

 

[mechtech2]

If the rotor were not resurfaced, give them time to see if they mate, and also to wipe off the old, and replace the film left by the pads.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I have the Wagner ThermoQuiets on my minivan, and they squeal very loudly when cold, and sometimes even when warm when applied moderately. All four rotors were resurfaced when the brakes were changed, too. I'm not impressed with them at all.


Same experience on a Camry

 

[Jeff3126]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
I have the Wagner ThermoQuiets on my minivan, and they squeal very loudly when cold, and sometimes even when warm when applied moderately. All four rotors were resurfaced when the brakes were changed, too. I'm not impressed with them at all.


Same experience on a Camry


The front pads on my Ranger were done with ThermoQuiets at 42k about 6 months ago. Originally, the shop did not resurface the rotors. Terrible squeal. Took the vehicle back and they resurfaced. Quiet for a little while, now I get a light to moderate squeal. I'm not impressed either.

 

[nthach]

I think I'll stick to OEM or PBR.