Brakes?

Beaver3000 · 08-31-2006, 09:41 PM

I may sound really stupid here, but I admit my knowledge of auto mechanics is very limited. My front brakes squeak a very high pitched sound. I noticed it when I am just about to come to a complete stop. I only really notice it when my music is low. I heard that it could be because the brakes are dirty and could need to be cleaned. I also heard they may need to be changed, which I found strange because the mechanic I go to told me a year and a half ago that the brakes looked good and woundn't need to be changed for a few years. I am working on improving my knowledge because I am taking Auto Diagnostic and Tune-up. Hopefully this will help me. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
P.S.
Truck is a GMC C1500 4.3 liter with 102,300 miles on it.

mochester · 08-31-2006, 09:47 PM

brake pads are cheaper than you probably think, and you probably just need some new ones

the sound you hear is probably their little warning system that the pads are getting low. in which case you probably have enough pad left to be safe, but should still change them. if the sound stops when you press on the brakes, then that is deffinitely what it is

and a year and a half could be a 'few years' in automotive terms...its all about how (often) you drive your car

brake pads should probably be replaced every year or two...whenever they need to be

Beaver3000 · 08-31-2006, 10:03 PM

Thanks for your help.

The brakes only squeak when I step on the brakes while slowing down. It is perfectly quiet when I am driving around. I have heard about the warning squeak before and I don't believe this is what it is since it doesn't occur when I am driving. Not positive on this. Still brakes well. Thanks again for your help.

02F2504x4 · 09-01-2006, 12:17 AM

Just go out to your truck and look at your brake pads if they are low then you just answered your own questions just get new brake pads... Be careful when turning your rotors because they will only last for so long before you wrap them...

Beaver3000 · 09-01-2006, 05:33 PM

Does this seem strange because today my brakes seemed pretty quiet. Only noticed when I was braking in a confined area where the sound of the brakes bounced off the wall. I drove in the same area at the same speed and braked in the same area as yesterday and I didn't even noticed them, even with the music low. Is this normal? Any answers would help and thank you for your reply 02F2504x4.

chevyguy · 09-02-2006, 11:02 PM

O.K. it is one of 2 things, Either its time for brake pads, or you have metalic or semi metalic pads. Its really simple actually. Pull a tire off and look at the pad. There is a small metal piece riveted on the the end of the pad. If it is touching the rotor it is time for new pads, if not them you have metalic pads, No worries. take a look and you will see what i am talking about. Good luck

Beaver3000 · 09-03-2006, 01:51 AM

Thanks for the info. I will take a look at it tomorrow. Its a little late right now.

08-31-2006, 09:41 PM	#1
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Brakes? I may sound really stupid here, but I admit my knowledge of auto mechanics is very limited. My front brakes squeak a very high pitched sound. I noticed it when I am just about to come to a complete stop. I only really notice it when my music is low. I heard that it could be because the brakes are dirty and could need to be cleaned. I also heard they may need to be changed, which I found strange because the mechanic I go to told me a year and a half ago that the brakes looked good and woundn't need to be changed for a few years. I am working on improving my knowledge because I am taking Auto Diagnostic and Tune-up. Hopefully this will help me. Any help will be greatly appreciated. P.S. Truck is a GMC C1500 4.3 liter with 102,300 miles on it. __________________ "Like Gary the No Trash Cougar says, give a larbage, throw out your garbage. Spread the word."

08-31-2006, 10:03 PM	#3
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Thanks for your help. The brakes only squeak when I step on the brakes while slowing down. It is perfectly quiet when I am driving around. I have heard about the warning squeak before and I don't believe this is what it is since it doesn't occur when I am driving. Not positive on this. Still brakes well. Thanks again for your help. __________________ "Like Gary the No Trash Cougar says, give a larbage, throw out your garbage. Spread the word."

09-01-2006, 12:17 AM	#4
02F2504x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cali Posts: 88	Just go out to your truck and look at your brake pads if they are low then you just answered your own questions just get new brake pads... Be careful when turning your rotors because they will only last for so long before you wrap them... __________________ 2002 F-250 4x4 CC 7.3L DIESEL Mods Edge Evo Edge Juice W/ Attitude 4 Inch Turbo Back Exhaust Straight Pipe DIY Tymar Intake Foil Delete Recon Light Strip

09-01-2006, 05:33 PM	#5
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Does this seem strange because today my brakes seemed pretty quiet. Only noticed when I was braking in a confined area where the sound of the brakes bounced off the wall. I drove in the same area at the same speed and braked in the same area as yesterday and I didn't even noticed them, even with the music low. Is this normal? Any answers would help and thank you for your reply 02F2504x4. __________________ "Like Gary the No Trash Cougar says, give a larbage, throw out your garbage. Spread the word."

09-02-2006, 11:02 PM	#6
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	O.K. it is one of 2 things, Either its time for brake pads, or you have metalic or semi metalic pads. Its really simple actually. Pull a tire off and look at the pad. There is a small metal piece riveted on the the end of the pad. If it is touching the rotor it is time for new pads, if not them you have metalic pads, No worries. take a look and you will see what i am talking about. Good luck __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

08-31-2006, 09:47 PM	#2
mochester Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 103	brake pads are cheaper than you probably think, and you probably just need some new ones the sound you hear is probably their little warning system that the pads are getting low. in which case you probably have enough pad left to be safe, but should still change them. if the sound stops when you press on the brakes, then that is deffinitely what it is and a year and a half could be a 'few years' in automotive terms...its all about how (often) you drive your car brake pads should probably be replaced every year or two...whenever they need to be

09-03-2006, 01:51 AM	#7
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Thanks for the info. I will take a look at it tomorrow. Its a little late right now. __________________ "Like Gary the No Trash Cougar says, give a larbage, throw out your garbage. Spread the word."

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