Ok, my 2005 Monte with 59,900 miles has developed a chirp when I brake. It's like something rubbing on the wheel and makes a squeek and as I slow down the noise slows too so I'm thinking I may need to get my pads replace. I read about how to do it in my Haynes manual and it looks easy enough even though I've never done this before. So I'm looking for some advice on the whole process here:

1) Is the chirping noise I hear actaully mean I need new pads or is it something else?

2) Are there any surprises or safety issues with changing pads you can let me in on before I take the tires off?

3) Can you recommend some pad brands? I don't really want to get the $14 Valuecraft ones that sound cheap, but then again I don't think I need the expensive heavy duty ones either.

Thanks for any and all the help you can throw my way!

 

there isnt any suprises when you do break pads you just need a can of break cleaner to clean the rotors, and every thing before you start to dig in and after you put every thing together. do to break dust before disasebly and unforseen oils like finger oils on the rotor or grease from some where bumping the rotors. other than that semi metalic to metalic types are good also some better types are good as well. breaks are the last thing that you want to get a cheap set for do to high temps and stoping a car from 30 mph to 55 mph. if you are conserned about the price it is also safty that you are considering. i always go with the best pads do to knowing that i will beable to stop as well knowing if i got the cheap pads i have before gotten they will shater do to heat build up and stress.

 

Thanks for the advice monte07. Any one else? Pad brands to avoid or purchase? Ceramic vs. metalic vs. semi-metalic?

 

Ceramic is usually more expensive but dusts a lot less and is quieter.

Semi-metallic is cheaper, but is very dusty.

The noise you hear is called a wear sensor. It's a piece of metal designed to rub against the rotor when your pads get low. If you drive too long with that, it could damage your rotor.

Also, wear rubber gloves.

 

it could be that the rotors are glazed though. and yeah. watch out for aspestice, dont breath in the brake dust. id go with ceramic personally. and look through the window for your brakes. how thick is the pad compaired the the metal they come mounted too?

 

When you go to the auto parts store get a pad in the middle not the highest or lowest and you should be good. Personally Id rather have a softer pad and not wear out the rotor. This theory has worked for my father in law for 60+ years so its good enough for me.

 

Hey thanks for the tips guys, I think I'm going to make this my labor day weekend project!