The traffic lights turn red. You lift your foot from the accelerator pedal and press it onto the brake. You, everyone in your car and everyone on the road around you winces as a high-pitched tone drills into your eardrums. That’s what it feels like when your Seat, Skoda, Audi or VW has squeaky brakes.
Now, squeaky brakes can manifest themselves in all sorts of ways. For example, you might hear a sound when you first apply the brakes or only at low speeds or only in certain weather conditions. Regardless, your brakes are, naturally, of paramount importance, and anything that doesn’t feel or sound right should be checked out by a specialist service centre like Sunset VW. Here’s what to look – and listen – out for…
Understanding the different types of brake squeaks
The sound you hear could come from several sources, each indicating a different issue of varying severity.
Light squeaking when braking is one of the most common sounds. It’s usually caused by brake dust or surface rust on the brake pads or discs. This noise is often harmless and fades once you’ve driven a short distance. Expect it to be worse when the weather is wet and cold, or you do a lot of aggressive city driving.
A higher-pitched squeal could point to worn brake pads. Brake manufacturers build brake pads with a built-in wear indicator, a small metal tab that produces a squeaking sound to warn you when the pads need replacing. Once the pads reach this level, they’re dangerous and should be replaced immediately.
If the squeak turns into a grinding noise, it indicates that the brake pads have worn down too far, exposing the metal to the disc face. This serious issue needs immediate attention as your brakes won’t work well and might fail altogether.
A rhythmic chirping sound could be caused by brake disc issues or worn brake hardware (such as anti-rattle clips or shim materials). The pads may still be fine in this case, but the components around them may need adjusting or replacing.
Identifying the source of the noise
Now that you know what type of squeak you’re dealing with, it’s time to identify what’s causing it. Most of the time, you’ll find that brake squeaks have something to do with either the brake pads or the brake calliper (the device that squeezes the pads onto the disc). One other thing worth checking is the pedal itself.
Here’s a simple troubleshooting process to help pinpoint the issue:
Listen to when the squeak occurs
Does it happen immediately after applying the brakes, or does it only occur after driving for a while? What about when you’re stationary? A noise that appears right when you brake might be a sign of dust or surface rust. If it comes later, it could be worn pads or an issue with the disc. If you aren’t moving, it’s probably something in the pedal, linking or servo, or potentially missing hardware at the callipers.
Test in different conditions
Does the noise change depending on the weather or the road conditions? For example, a squeak on wet mornings could be due to moisture or rust on the discs, which clears up after a few applications of the brakes. Squeaks that persist through dry weather might indicate more serious issues, like worn-out pads or disc damage.
Look at your brake pads
If you can, take a quick look at your brake pads to check their thickness. Sometimes, you don’t even need to take the wheels off or buy a specialist gauge. Most pads have a wear indicator, but even without one, you can usually see if the pads are worn down enough to need replacing. They shouldn’t be any thinner than a twenty-pence coin.
Simple DIY fixes for squeaky brakes
If you’ve identified a simple cause, such as brake dust or surface rust, you can try some DIY solutions before deciding to replace the pads.
These DIY fixes are for individuals who are confident jacking the wheel up onto axle stands and working safely in safe conditions. Remove the wheels, work on the brakes and replace the wheels, one corner at a time. If you aren’t confident, bring your vehicle into Sunset VW, and we’ll be delighted to help you out.
- Clean your brakes – Use a brake cleaner spray (also known as parts cleaner) to remove dust and debris from the pads and discs. Spray the cleaner directly onto the brake components, then wipe them down with a clean cloth. This should eliminate light squeaks caused by dust. Never use anything other than parts/brake cleaner, or else your brakes might completely fail to work.
- Lubricate moving parts – Apply brake lubricant to the back of the brake pads (where they contact the callipers) and other moving components like the calliper pins. Be careful not to get any lubricant on the frictional surface of the pads or discs, as it will significantly affect braking performance. If you spill some, clean it off with brake/parts cleaner.
- Check the anti-rattle clips and shims – If the noise is a rhythmic squeak, the anti-rattle clips and shims may need lubrication or adjustment. If they’re worn, they’re cheap to replace.
When to replace brake pads and seek professional help
If cleaning and lubricating your brakes doesn’t stop the squeak, it’s time to check the brake pads. If the pads are thinner than 3mm or the wear indicator is making contact with the disc, it’s time for a replacement. The legal limit for brake pad thickness in the UK is 1.5mm. Your VW will fail its MOT if its pads have reached the wear indicator or are 1.5mm or less in thickness. While you can replace just the pads, we recommend considering replacing your discs at the same time. Sometimes, damaged pads make the disc warp, making a new pair essential.
Use quality brake pads to maintain (or increase, if you had aftermarket parts fitted before) the performance of your braking system. Look for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Volkswagen parts. Cheap pads may save you money in the short term, but they could compromise your car’s braking efficiency and safety over time.
And, if you experience any of the following, it’s time to book an appointment with a trusted VW service centre:
- Grinding noise – Your pads are dangerously worn, and the metal of the pads is rubbing directly on the disc face. Requires immediate attention.
- Vibration when braking – If your car shakes or vibrates when you apply the brakes, it could indicate warped discs or something even more serious. This issue requires professional assessment and may need disc replacement or resurfacing.
- Persistent noise – if the squeak doesn’t go away despite cleaning and lubrication, or if it’s accompanied by a noticeable decrease in braking performance, it’s time to have the system checked by an expert.
Preventing future squeaky brakes
Avoid hard braking whenever possible, as it can cause premature wear on your pads and discs. Smooth, gradual braking helps prolong the life of your braking system. Also, while there might not be much you can do about it, city driving is much more taxing on your brakes than A-road or motorway trips.
Make a quick check of your brakes part of your monthly TLC when you top up the tyres and check under the bonnet. Plus, stick to your VW-recommended service schedule, where a professional checks for signs of wear and tear on the discs, pads, and other components.
Keep your brake system clean. Regularly wash your car to remove brake dust and dirt build up. While brake dust is completely normal, keeping your wheels clean prevents it from accumulating too quickly.
How can Sunset VW help?
A squeaky brake might not always indicate an urgent issue. Still, pay attention to the noise and identify its cause. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing the squeak or are due for a professional brake inspection, book an appointment with Sunset VW. With a dedicated team of VW specialists, including master technicians, and over forty years of servicing Derby and the surrounding areas, we’re here to answer all your questions and keep you safe out there.