Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Squeeky KVRs...

I have some new powerslot rotors with KVR pads. When I stop I get a decently loud squeek from the brakes. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I get new pads or could it be the rotors? Thanks for the info.

Squeak does not come from a problem with the pads or rotors -- it's the pads vibrating against the caliper. You didn't use anti-squeal goop between them, did you?

-Lance

Noisy brakes are mainly caused by the composition of the brake pad. The more agressive the pad, the higher the likelyhood of noise. Brake engineers to several things to cut noise. Any pad shims that came with the vehicle or with the new pads must be used. Some pads come with shims already attached.

Proper lubrication is one of the most important parts of a good brake job and sadly it is often the most neglected. Use an appropriate disc brake caliper grease. You can find something appropriate at most any auto parts store. The Ford stuff is very good, but I personally prefer the Volvo stuff. It is critical that the caliper slides and pins be properly lubricated. It is also critical that the pads be lubricated properly. Do not get any caliper grease on the friction material, but the backing plates must be lubricated wherever the backing plate touches the caliper. It is also helpful to remove the rotor and apply anti sieze compound to the surface between the hub and the rotor.

In some extreme cases it is helpful to use the anti squeel goop sold in parts stores instead of the grease on the backing plate contact points other than the slide points.

It is the practice of some brake technicians (and I use the term lightly) to never use any lubrication at all and when the customer complains about uneven pad wear or excessive noise to sell them a set of usually unneeded calipers. Technicians of this caliber are either ignorant or careless or both.