Do I need new brake pads

[Mike Stitzer]

My brakes have recently developed a light squeal just as I touch the pedal. They then stop when the brakes stop to grab. Is the squeal an indicator that's telling me that I need new pads. I know other cars that have this system.
The squeal is high pitched and sometimes will continue even when I'm not on the brakes at all, then the sound goes away as I step on the pedal. The braking is still good and the rotors are still true. Any suggestions. Also, where can I get replacement pads cheap.

Mike

 

[Mike Kopstain]

It's brake dust. Just take the wheel off and put some silencer on the components. You can pick it up for $.69 a tube at any auto parts store.

 

[sdpatt]

The only way to truly tell if your pads are worn out is to look at them. Take the wheels off and eyeball the pads to check their thickness. The new pads are about 6mm thick. If the pad is less than about 1mm or 1/16th" thick, they are worn out and need replacing. The Gen I and Gen II SHOs I am familiar with do not have the squealer tab on the brake pads. If and when they do need replacing, you should take the opportunity to install the Performance Friction Carbon metallic pads for about $35 with a lifetime replacement warranty through AutoZone.

 

[Mike Stitzer]

Thanks. Do the carbon metallic pads produce more brake dust? Does it cover the wheel in that black crap? The lifetime warranty sounds good. Also, are they harsh on rotors (wear them out quicker)

Mike

<small>[ April 18, 2002, 07:32 AM: Message edited by: Mike Stitzer ]</small>

 

[Mike Kopstain]

You are always going to get that black crap. I have to clean my wheels ever 2 days. eek! I really do thing that brake dust is your problem here. I have brand new pads that do the same thing and so did my Mustang, but the spray that I got fixed it right up.

Changing the pads is enough that if those are not the problem, it is better to wait.

 

[stevetatro]

You will not ALWAYS get that black crap. The PFCM pads Scott's referring to seem to dust much more than stock pads, or some other aftermarket pads.

I've used OEM pads, Albany pads, Raybestos pads, Performance Frictions and Carbotechs.

The Carbotechs stop very well and don't seem to create much dust. Only problems are the price and the lack of any sort of warranty. If you wear them down in 6 months, you're SOL. I've also seen a Carbotech pad actually crack (not the backing, just the pad...duh!). Sorta makes me wonder about the quality.

The PFCM's (which I'm currently using) dust a lot, stop pretty good (better than OEM, Albany, etc.) and are fairly cheap. Also, as Scott mentioned, have a lifetime warranty. Only problem there is if you want a matching set, front and rear, you're SOL. No rear PFCM's are made for the SHO (any year as far as I know).

A good trick for the brake dust problem is to keep a nice coat of wax on your rims. Brake dust won't stick to it and it can be wiped off almost effortlessly with just a paper towel. If not, you'll have to bust open some serious wheel cleaner once in awhile!

Good luck.

Edit: the PFCM pads are down to $29 at AutoZone.com! Can't beat that with a stick!!!

<small>[ April 18, 2002, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: stevetatro ]</small>

 

[SHOTIME2669]

I have the Raybesto "NASCAR"(whatever that means) front pads on my car and they seem to rip through rotors like no tomorrow. I drive hard so I bought them, but dang if I knew that they would eat rotors like they have I wouldnt have gotten them. I need to upgrade to performance rotors I think. The combo of performance pads and OEM replacement Raybesto rotors doesnt mix.

-Mike

 

[naval-avi8or]

You truly need to check your brakes. There are two diffrent reasons for sqeeling brakes. If yours are only doing it with a slight amount of brake pressure it more than lickly need new pads. That sqeel is more than lickly they wear indicator. If you don't check them and it is the wear indicator you WILL destroy your rotors.

Sqeel do to brake dust will usually squeel throught out the entire brake application.

 

[Mike Stitzer]

Well, I'll check them today after work. I may just get new pads. As far as brake dust, I can honestly say that in the year and a half I've owned the car I've never ever had dust on the wheels. I don't know where it goes but my wheels will stay as clean or dirty as the rest of the car. That's why I asked about different pads dusting. The ones that are on now I think are OEM and they stop decent.

Mike

 

[AutoXSHO]

Fortunately, both my slicers and my T-Bird SC rims still have the factory clearcoat on them, so the brake dust wipes off with a rag, or if I let it bake on there, a rag with a little citrus degreaser.

I have the Carbotech Type F pads on the rear brakes and love them. Eventually I'll need to get them for the front as well, since the brake bias shifted a little rearward. They don't dust, they don't squeal, and the wear (even with full rear brakes) has been good so far.

John V