There are several different causes of new brakes squeaking in reverse. Three of the most commonly known are:
- An expected brake bedding period
- Quality of the Rotors and Brake Pad Materials Used
- Climate and weather patterns, meaning where the car is typically driven
Also, here is a brief description of each, including what’s most likely happening after new brakes have been installed.
Contents
Bedding Process
To start, it is important to note that some new brake pads are designed in a specialized manner. As a result, sometimes these materials are not only abrasive but also have a protective coat that’s known for causing these noises.
Therefore, after introducing these brakes to some wear and tear, these squeaking noises will go away. This process is usually referred to as bedding, and it is normal.
Rotor Quality / Brake Pad Materials Used
Another common reason why newly installed brake pads may squeak is the quality of the rotors and/or the brake pad materials used.
For instance, if the rotor’s face is uneven in any way, it can cause the brakes to vibrate and squeak. Or, if the new brake pads are composed of a mix of metal shavings and silicon dust, it can create a highly abrasive material.
Whatever the combination or case may be, when new brakes are installed, the squeaking usually starts. For example, to slow the rotors down in reverse, as it spins, the brake caliper will push the brake pads against the rotors.
And, these actions will create excessive friction and squeaking, especially if the brake pads are abrasive and the rotors are uneven when they meet.
Climate
The climate that the car is driven in can also be attributed to these squeaky brake sounds when the car is in reverse.
This is mainly because some climates are inherently moist. And as a result, the moisture in the air will attract dust and other materials within the braking components.
When this happens, this dust and debris can stick to the rotors and cause the squeaking sounds that the driver hears, specifically if the rotor shape is uneven in any way.
Does an improper mount of new brakes cause squeaking?
Yes, improperly mounted new brake pads can cause squeaking noises. For instance, if the brake pads are not securely mounted, squeaking noises will be made.
And, a certified brake technician may be contacted to remount the new brake pads properly to correct the problem.
How to fix new brakes squealing in reverse?
To fix these squealing sounds, a certified mechanic may need to inspect the newly installed brakes to identify these issues. Based on their assessment, the repair solutions are usually as follows:
Bedding Process
If the squeaking is caused by bedding, the owner of the car is normally advised to continue driving the vehicle as normal. By continuing to drive, the sounds will gradually become less audible until they completely stop.
On the other hand, if the squeaking does not stop after a reasonable time, it may require additional investigation from a certified brake mechanic.
Rotor Quality and Materials Used
if the quality of the rotors is inferior to the car’s OEM parts (i.e. cheaply made), the rotors may need to be replaced with a better-quality alternative.
The mechanic may recommend installing OEM parts to get rid of the noise. Or, they may recommend a higher quality set of rotors that they know will solve the problem.
Either way, the cheap quality rotors will need to be removed to get rid of the annoying squeaking sounds.
Climate
When the squealing noises are caused by moisture in the climate and dirty rotors, you need to make sure the rotors are cleaned properly.
Some mechanics may recommend regular rotor cleaning and check-ups to be performed. Specifically, for those drivers that live in the moist climates
What are the costs of fixing?
The cost of fixing these squeaking noises will usually vary on a situation by situational bases. For example, when a certified brake technician inspects the problems and provides a solution, the prices can differ significantly based on the following circumstances.
Bedding Process and Squeaky Noises while reversing Costs
The average cost is $0 – (i.e.Just continue to drive the car until the problem solves itself)
Rotor Quality and materials used Costs
The average cost of these services is usually based on the make, model, and year of the vehicle, including the parts and labor. For example, the average cost to replace inferior brake pads is estimated between $35 to $150, and the labor usually ranges from $80 to $120 per axle.
Conclusion
There are several different causes of new brakes squeaking in reverse. Some of the most commonly known include brake bedding periods, the quality of the rotors, and the types of brake pad materials used.
Additionally, to fix these problems and eliminate the squeaky noises altogether, a certified brake specialist may need to inspect the brakes to identify the exact cause.
Once the inspection is complete, the technician will recommend the best solution to get rid of these annoying noises.
