Squeaky Brakes. Attn: Mountain Drivers?

1991 Honda Civic LX, 143k miles here

I replaced my front brake pads with quality ones last year about this time
and 16,000 miles ago. I have just completed a trip through two mountain
ranges, each not more than about 6000 feet in elevation. I tried to use my
engine to brake as much as possible. Now, after driving awhile each day,
either my front or rear brakes or both are squealing when I hit them even
lightly.

Would rear (disc) brakes squeal?

Could I have worn my high quality front brake pads down already? Might they
simply have become glazed due to a lot of use on long, steep downhills? Is
it okay to drive with glazed brake pads? (IIRC, it is, as long as one can
stand the noise. Will it go away as the glazed surface wears away?)

I know brake pad wear is very much a function of driving habits and not
mileage. But since I have never gone through a pair of brake pads this
quickly, I am baffled.

I will be removing one or both front wheels tomorrow to inspect the pad, but
comments today are welcome. People who drive in mountainous areas: Your
experience with brake pad life is welcome.

 

Define "quality". They aren't OEM are they?

*All* disc brakes squeal *all* the time. The trick is to make them squeal
above the range of normal hearing. Use aftermarket pads and you run the
risk of upsetting the factory's delicate balance.

You will need to attempt some fudge-fixes and try to alter the pads'
vibration frequency. A dab of silicone applied to the back of the pads may
help.

Are the factory anti-squeal shims still there or did you remove them
because the aftermarket pads were too thick?

 

I live at 6500 feet and routinely drive mountain passes over 9000 feet. I
just had the rear brakes replaced for the 1st time at 77000 miles and still
have the original front brakes. I drive a 99 Accord EX 4 cyl 5 speed with
the original clutch as well. which may explain why I get such good brake
wear. BTW our 88 Prelude with 168.000 miles has gone through 2 sets of rear
and 1 set of front brakes and I've had the clutch replaced for the 1st
time at 128,000 miles. Both cars have disk brakes on all 4 corners.

Rick

 

Thanks for sharing your experience.

My inspection of the (front) pads only turned up that there is plenty of pad
left (over a quarter inch, about what I expected). These pads are Raybestos
and have a lifetime warranty. (The cost of the pads last year was $42.47.
People here suggested these among other more expensive pads, so I bought and
installed them then.)

I am baffled. My brakes squeak only after driving awhile and then
intermittently and unpredictably. Even on long, fairly steep downhills where
I am now, tapping the brakes (I downshift for serious braking) doesn't
always yield any squealing.

I am getting four new tires soon and will review the situation then, if not
sooner.

 

maybe brake dust building up? try going to a DIY carwash, and spraying the
wheels with a pressure gun. see if/how long the noise goes away.

 

I'll give it a try. Thanks.