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March 5, 2010
Important Safety Item
Brake Noise Complaints
Brake noises are annoying and in most cases the brake pads are usually the cause, however, sometimes I find this questionable. I strongly urge installers to perform a visual inspection of the front brakes. You may be in for a surprise and find that it was some other brake component that is the problem.
There are many moving parts underneath the vehicle and some noises can be misleading—don’t forget suspension does wear and can also be noisy. Strut mounts are examples and I include sway bar links in that category also.
Noise varies, it can range from a grinding sound or a groan to a click and sometimes just a creaking noise and the one your customer most often complains about, the squealing noise. The usual cause of a brake squeal is vibration with a combination of rotor finish. Semi metallic pads are prone to noise because of the high metallic content.
Brake friction
Brake friction is available in different flavours and, at Affinia, we continuously research the best formulation for all applications. Affinia has won the confidence of many repair shops because our friction has proven to be safe, reliable, and efficient.
Be aware of the lower priced brake pads, there are a lot of them around—but, are they worth it? I don’t think so! When your customer applies the brakes he expects to have good stopping power. Price is not an issue for quality brake pads. In addition, Affinia includes hardware with our brake pads for most applications and for a reason. Our product development team spends many hours testing and matching hardware that will fit properly and function as per OE.
The main purpose of the abutment clips is to prevent pad movement in the caliper bracket.
Hardware kits
Hardware kits are a must and every time a brake service is performed, do yourself a favour and replace them. Some of you may ask why. Well, the answer is simple— with the amount of heat generated from the caliper rotor and pads, it affects those metal clips and eventually they will lose their tension and will not hold the pad snug in the caliper bracket. Be careful you don’t overlook the caliper bracket—it can also wear and stretch. Remember, the amount of play is critical; try installing the pad in place with the new abutment clips and with your hand, check for any loose play.
Click, click…
A clicking noise is a frequent call and when we hear the name of the make and model of the vehicle the installer is working with, we know right away what the problem is.
For example, from the end of 2002 and up for the Silverado 2500 series, our kits contain two rails or sliding clips to prevent pad movement, two rubber bushings to protect any water or other debris from entering and seizing the pins. And last, the most forgotten part of the kit, two small rubber tube shaped bushings.
The tubes are lodged inside the caliper mounting bracket and it’s a bit awkward to remove but, all you need is a steel pick. The caliper pins slide into those tubes, and when the tubes are worn, they are exposed to metal thus creating a clicking noise when the vehicle is leaving a stop or engaged in drive or reverse. This repair procedure can also be applied to the Ford Windstar.
Where is the noise?
On a few occasions I have heard from installers that all four wheels are squealing. This condition is practically impossible and that is why when diagnosing a noise concern make sure you isolate the problem—where is the noise coming from— the front or the rear.
Again, I recommend you lubricate new hardware with high temp silicone.
Just a reminder—Affinia’s tech line consists of professionals who are technical specialists and are very knowledgeable in brakes. We can assist you with any brake issues you may encounter.
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