Sqeaking brakes....

[vidvis]

Like a lot of other H2 owners (I have a 2003 with 55k on it), I experienced the squeeking brake issues. The brake noise/creeking was so bad at one point I thought for a while a wheel bearing or CV joint was shot. After having removed the drivers side front wheel, which was the only one giving me the problem, about 15 times, I finally found what worked for me. My pads and rotors appeared fine, but replaced them anyway. The noise went away for a short time, then came back. It was really bad at slow speeds when going through parking lots (embarassing too). Everytime I messed with the pads by removing,cleaning, and reinstalling, the noise would be gone for a short time. I used the "brake stop squeek" liquid on the back of the pads and that also didn't remedy the noise for long. I tried new brake "anti-rattle" clips - that didn't work. Finally, after mentioning my prob. with an employee at an auto parts store, he recommended I lube the back of the pads. That had the same problems with their delivery trucks and this solved it.

I bought a couple .99 cent packets of brake grease/lube from the front counter display at my Advance Auto parts store. In all the brake jobs I have done over the years, I never "lubed" any of the parts and never had a problem. I applied the brake grease (do not use axle grease or bearing grease - it is NOT the same)to the back of the pads where it contacts the caliper pistons and all other areas of the caliper that comes into contact with the pads, as well as the "anti rattle" clips where the notch in the pads fits onto them, and the caliper pins. It has been two months and 5000 miles and the noise did not return. I had same symptoms as others before this where it would go away in the rain for a bit, etc. The lube on the back of the pad, and only a thin layer is needed, I believe stopped the back of pad to caliper piston noise squeek. The other side of the caliper (side opposite the pistons) that contacts the outer brake pad needs to be lubed as well. Regular grease won't stand up to the heat and will damage brake caliper piston rubber seals - that is why you have to use "brake lube". It gels a bit once subjected to high brake temps, but won't burn off or run off and won't rinse out when washing your wheels either. So, my advice would be to buy a couple packets of the lube, removed your pads, clean them and the calipers amd the anti-rattle clips, lube and reinstall everything. I think it will solve your issues. I would never have thought of lubing the back of the pads - had I done this first, I would have saved myself a lot of aggravation. By the way, lubing the back of the pads is also per the lube manufacturers instructions as well.