I have a high pitched metal on metal squeal coming from the front end when driving. It usually only happens when I turn the wheel, but sometimes happens when driving in a straight line. It also stops whenever I hit my brakes (even slightly).

The only ideas I have had are:
1. low power steering fluid
2. bearings need repacked/replaced
3. have a loose brake pad

anyone else have an idea? I want to nip this in the butt before it gets to be a big problem. Thanks

 

btt

 

That's the "audible wear sensor" on a brake pad, which is a little tab of metal whose job is to serve as an owner alert by making an annoying screeching sound not unlike metallic fingernails on a chalkboard. Your brakes are worn out.

Do a brake job.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

aren't those only supposed squeal when you press on the brakes?

on mine I hear this squeal all the time, EXCEPT when I put on the brakes (even a tiny bit) then the squeal goes away, that's what's makin me think the brake pad or calipers might be loose/misadjusted.

I haven't had these pads long (only been used for about 12 months of driving)

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

No, RB is correct. They squeal when the brake is off.

 

No, they are carefully designed to make that awful shriek all the time, and to shut up when you push the brakes.

Look at your pads, I'll bet you'll see where one of them is contacting the rotor. Of course, that by itself doesn't mean the pads are worn out, they just kind of hang off of the end of the pads, and can easily get bent in too much during shipping or installation or whatever; but for sure that's where the noise is coming from. I can almost hear it in my monitor....

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

It's definately the brakes!!!

Your safety tabs are rubbing against the rotor. Go out and feel your rotor and you might already have some minor surface damage on the rotor. If you don't attend to the brake pads soon you'll be resurfacing the rotors as well, and possibly be buying new rotors if the damage is below a certain depth.

Take the tires off and inspect the pads and see how much pad is left.
You might be able to buy a few weeks of time by bending the tabs away from the rotor. This will stop the noise, but you also run the risk of wearing the pads down too far and the rivets that hold the pads to the metal will grind into your rotors and you will definately be buying new rotors.

Everything you mentioned point directly to your brake pads.

As for the 12 months....
We put new pads on our car about 16 months ago and they are already worn down. And they were not cheapy pads that leave your rims black as night.
My girlfriend is one of those who does not apply the brake until the last second and then hits them hard.
Thus shortening the pad life.

Prove us wrong by bending the tabs back a little and then drive the car. If the noise is gone it's time for new pads.



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91 Mystic Teal RS Convertible. 305 TBI, Auto, stock.
125,000 miles and still going strong.
Only minor mods planned for the near future.
Like headers, flowmaster exhaust, some ignition mods, K&N airfilter, Perhaps a chip if needed.
Waiting for the motor to blow up so I can install a ZZ4 crate motor. Let's just hope it don't blow up too soon.

 

k, thanks everyone, I was a little confused on the wear indicators. I'll take off my wheels and look at it this weekend. I'll try bending the tab back and see if that helps.