Sqeaking brakes....

[HSTONKA]

All of a sudden my brakes have been sqeaking pretty bad in light braking, took it to the dealership and they said nothing they could do because of big rims and tires causing it (35's mudds, 20 inch rims) which is crap....so I took it back again cuz it was starting to get worse, and they resurfaced the rotors and pads and that stopped it for a bit, but its back.....I have the same rim/tire setup on my first H2 and it never did it and this one just started and it has 9000 miles on it......

Anyone have any ideas? or having the same problem?

[HSTONKA]

All of a sudden my brakes have been sqeaking pretty bad in light braking, took it to the dealership and they said nothing they could do because of big rims and tires causing it (35's mudds, 20 inch rims) which is crap....so I took it back again cuz it was starting to get worse, and they resurfaced the rotors and pads and that stopped it for a bit, but its back.....I have the same rim/tire setup on my first H2 and it never did it and this one just started and it has 9000 miles on it......

Anyone have any ideas? or having the same problem?

[VTSTOMPER]

Mine does it too - when damp *not wet*. I am currently, and have been running the stock wheels and tires.

[HSTONKA]

its not really damp out here in Arizona, but cool a little bit....but even when I got a loaner H2 from the dealership when having warranty work done it did it with stock rims as well......

Have you had it addressed yet?

[liquid0]

This same issue has been the biggest nag I've had lately with my '04. Dealership told me sometimes the brake pads get too smooth and only way to fix is to take off and put a swirl in them. Either way, they can't/won't fix it either. Mine happens at light braking only as well. Sucks to drive a $50k+ rig with squeeky brakes. Would be nice to find someone who knows the best way to fix.

[HSTONKA]

they are saying the same thing here......very annoying.....Im just gonna keep taking it back till they fix or replace....cuz my old one never did it with the same rims and tire setup....

[MONSTERMATT]

pretty sure u can get a brembro braking system with upgraded rotors to get the problem fixxed, my dealer dosent seem to be all that helpful either when it comes to aftermarket stuff either, dude said even if i trimmed the fender wells id still rub, i dont believe it, also said id rub the sway bar but when the wheel is totallt cranked to one side it dosent hit the sway bar WTF? im running 37x13.50r18 nitto mud grapps

[Rotary Flyer]

This may sound funny but, on the newer thicker type braking material the 90 degree angle of the pad to the rotor causes a squeal. I usually just use a bench grinder to mill the leading edge of the pads to about 45 degrees. The squeal always stops!

[VTSTOMPER]

DAMN! That does sound funny!

I have put lines in the rotors with a screwdriver - just a long scratch on my stock BMW rotors, and that took care of it. I was using hard pads though too.

[HGW]

It really is just the pads. The dealer can refuse to fix them though, if you do not have stock rims and tires---it is just the way it works in the car biz----60K or no 60K.

Going theBrembo route is expensive if you just want the squeal to stop.

I am Brembo dealer if you want more info---please PM.

[VTSTOMPER]

I have come to enjoy the squeak...it only happens every now and then - plus it gives it that "driving around the army base sound" http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[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.

[H2 Bill]

vidvis, Welcome to the forum!
You are right on with the fix for the squeeking brake pads. I had the same problem and that is the only fix that works. Only one other thing that I would mention is don't use a pressure washer to wash your rims and brakes because it will wash off the lube.