Chevy & GMC Vans

This is more of a curiousity question than anything else. I had the front brakes replaced 2 yrs ago (along with the rotors). For the past few months my front brakes have been squealing and recently when I would press the brakes, the van would pull to the right. I figured I would change them out before I started grinding the rotors. So I changed them out today, but they have plenty of pad left on them. They weren't even worn close to the squealers. I had to take sandpaper to clean all the crap off the pins and bushings before greasing them up. The pads looked like they had been slightly cocked off to one side more than the other, but only the slightest bit.

So I took it for a test drive, they no longer squeal and no more pulling to the side, and I'm glad I changed them, but why the heck was it squealing so bad if the pads weren't worn to the squealers??

I don't have an answer for you, but my brakes are squealing at times lately and I am wondering if it is the same thing as they were done not that long ago. I am looking forward to someone having an answer.

are they ceramic brakes ??? they have a tendancy to squeal, especially if they get built up with brake dust . i take mine to the carwash & spray the front rotors good once a month or so & that stopped the squealing so far .

are they ceramic brakes ???

Hmmm.... I dunno.. It's been a couple years since they were installed. I could take a picture after I get out of work and post it up. Would you be able to tell then?

Could also be a glazed rotor or a hard spot on the pad.

If the brake pads are not tight in the caliper they will squeal. Steve, did you do the upgrade to the 4X4 pads?

Smiliesafari wrote:If the brake pads are not tight in the caliper they will squeal. Steve, did you do the upgrade to the 4X4 pads?

I think you might be right there, and with the pads wearing unevenly, it makes sense. I didn't upgrade the pads though. I do plan on upgrading the rear brakes at a later date, maybe I'll upgrade the front pads then.

If one of the pins was slightly siezed this may cause the pad to wear unevenly, always clean the pins thoughly (bench grinder wire wheel) and lubricate with brake caliper grease every time that you change your pads.

Always machine your rotors also at every brake job, and bed the brakes in correctly for trouble free non squeeking brake service.

I have new ceramic pads in mine, maybe about 2000 miles or less. These things sqeal terrible. So much so, i was considering taking them back. I took them off once already and greased teh backs. That helped for about 100 mile or so. I'm even considering a bit of silicone seal...

I have ceramic pads on my Astro and they are dead quiet. I use CRC disk brake quiet on the back of the pads:
http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/conte ... =05016&S=N

SoCalli V8 wrote:If one of the pins was slightly siezed this may cause the pad to wear unevenly, always clean the pins thoughly (bench grinder wire wheel) and lubricate with brake caliper grease every time that you change your pads.

Always machine your rotors also at every brake job, and bed the brakes in correctly for trouble free non squeeking brake service.

I've found bent caliper pins and pins that had surface cracks all over them, as if they'd been over torqued. The caliper has to be able to slide on the pins.

SoCalli, for us shade tree mech types could you elaborate on what you mean by "bed the brakes in"?

kings-x59 wrote:

SoCalli V8 wrote:If one of the pins was slightly siezed this may cause the pad to wear unevenly, always clean the pins thoughly (bench grinder wire wheel) and lubricate with brake caliper grease every time that you change your pads.

Always machine your rotors also at every brake job, and bed the brakes in correctly for trouble free non squeeking brake service.

I've found bent caliper pins and pins that had surface cracks all over them, as if they'd been over torqued. The caliper has to be able to slide on the pins.

SoCalli, for us shade tree mech types could you elaborate on what you mean by "bed the brakes in"?

Here you go King, this is a handy little link from our Links forum, alot of good info about brakes. http://aplsweb.com/Topics/Brakes.htm actually,everyone should bookmark this... or remember to check our Links forum,LOL.

astrozam wrote: Here you go King, this is a handy little link from our Links forum, alot of good info about brakes. http://aplsweb.com/Topics/Brakes.htm actually,everyone should bookmark this... or remember to check our Links forum,LOL.

Ya know, I don't think I've ever seen that link before. And I thought I checked them all out!

After looking at my old brake pads a little better, it looks like they are not ceramic pads, but look like a semi-metallic pad. Also there are cracks in the pad material inbetween the rivets. So now I'm really glad I changed them out!
I've got pics, but I'll have to post them up later when I can find the stinkin' cable to hook the camera to the computer!

thanks Zam. man that's information overload. After going cross eyed I found the info on bedding brakes.
I discovered that simply by virtue of the circumstances of my daily commute I bed my brakes every day.
don't accelerate to fast, ease on the brake when traffic stops. My rotors are polished like mirrors.
I get edumicated more every day on this site.

SoCalli V8 wrote:If one of the pins was slightly siezed this may cause the pad to wear unevenly, always clean the pins thoughly (bench grinder wire wheel) and lubricate with brake caliper grease every time that you change your pads..

Spot On!