Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes squealing brakes on a non-tour

My dad and I changed the brake pads on my mom's grand marquis a few weeks ago and now every time you stop you get this ear piercing squeal. We checks and dont see anything rubbing or anything like that, and the sound just keeps on doing it. Does anyone know of any fixes for squealing brakes as it is quite embarrasing and annoying.

It may help to confirm that the calipers are properly lubricated. That is one of the most important things to do on a quality brake job, but it is often also one of the most neglected.

Any parts that are involved with the caliper moving together as the brake pedal is pressed, such as caliper slides and pins need to be lubricated with brake caliper grease. Any place that the brake pad backing plate comes in contact with the caliper needs to be lubricated. That usually includes the sides where it contacts the caliper slides and the back where the pad attaches to the caliper.

There is also some anti squeel goop that can be applied to the back of the pad backing plate instead of grease and it sometimes works better than grease (make sure you keep it away from tha caliper slides).

If that doesn't do it, it is usually caused from lousey brake pads and you will probably need to try another brand with a different compound.

I think usually "better" pads with more metallic content (and less brake dust) often are prone to squeel vs "dirty" non-metallic pads. This has been a problem since asbestos has been banned quiet vs clean. All types of pads (and rotors) must meet minimum DOT specs for stopping ability, but there are 'better than spec' brakes, that meet different needs. Yes, proper lubrication can mean a big difference.

Not familiar with the Grand Marquis brakes, but if they are like some Ford vehicles, the outer pads have two metal tabs on top of the pad backing plate. They should grip the caliper firmly and when set in place, it should be snug between the top and bottom tabs and not wobble. If the pad is allowed to lie loosely in the caliper, when the brakes are applied you will get a squeal. Bend these tabs down so that the pad is firmly set into the caliper, that is.. if this car has them. If not, I would say a lube job to the backing plates is in order as the other posts recommend.

Squealing is caused by the caliper vibrating at high frequency against the pad. You NEED to use anti-squeal goop between the mating surfaces of the pad and caliper unless the pads come with a dampener plate that sticks on the back of the pad.

-Lance