How is it I already know somebody is going to make a comment about my car after I ask this, but okay hehe

Here's my problem. If I put the brake down about 1/4, I hear a grinding/squeaking sound (you know, how brakes squeek). Any more than 1/4 down, and there's no noise. There is no noise while I drive, just when I start pushing the brakes down there is.

Does this mean I need new pads? Cuz I could have sworn my mechanic changed them 2 weeks ago.



The only reason I ask is because when my brake pads went on my old 91 RS, it didn't sound like this. On the 91 RS the car would grind/squeek non-stop when I drove, and when I touched the brakes it would stop. But right now, it just squeeks a second when I press the brake down...

 

Pads might be worn to the warning piece o metal....rotor may be warped...hell, may just be brake dust build-up. Take the wheel off and have a lil look-see.

 

The simple thing to do is just feel the rotor for imperfections, unless it is totally smooth, some ridges may exist where at light pressure it rides the ridges. Another thing I notice on mine is not the rotors but the pads, some edges may not wear properly just to positioning so the whole pad isn't perfectly aligned to the rotor. A few bumps in the road alter the positioning and now a raised edge touches the rotor. When this happens (once in like 5-6 months for me) I just take it off, bring out the sander and get the pad all even again and try to ensure that its aligned right. This is all provided that you don't ride the brakes too often. Pads usually last me a good 1.5-2 years with my braking habits. I bump to neutral and coast to red lights, easy on the engine, easier on the brakes since with an auto they end up fighting each other. Since you have a stick easyspeed, I suggest unless its essentially vital for you, don't engine brake to stop. Little things add up.. its preventative maintenance really.

 

On my 99 blazer I got some pads and rotors from one jobber and found after a short period of time that the brakes squealed. I went to another jobber and got different make of pads, installed them and I had no more noise. If there is dampness or dust they will squeal the fisrt time I apply the brakes.

 

EasySpeed it sounds like your rotors maybe glazed, which means that they are almost polished too smooth.

This sometimes happens with high quality pads and high quality rotors, meaning that neither wants to give.

Best solution is to go with a cheaper set of pads. Or you could scuff the rotors a bit to get them less polished. Ask a mechanic if you don't know how.

I used to work at a parts counter and this is what the mechanic did a few times. I don't remember what scuffing pads he used but i do remember him using an air tool to scuff them.

Hope this helps.
Corbi