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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
96
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Squeaky Brakes
Q: We had a brake job
done on our '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee back in April of 1998. A few weeks
later I went back because the brakes were squealing. They said, "It's
supposed to sound like that because there is no more asbestos in the brakes".
They also said, "It will wear off after I run the car a while and
put on a few miles". I recently took it back again in June of this
year. Again they said, "Nothing is wrong, they are suppose to squeal".
I asked them," How come the brakes don't squeal on the new cars in
this lot?" No reply! My question to you. What do you think? Is there
anything I can do about this?... Squeaky
A: Well,
you've got them. The brakes are not supposed to squeal on your vehicle,
but the noise doesn't mean the brakes are unsafe, there could be other
factors. The squealing noise is an indication that not all the necessary
procedures were followed while the brake job was being performed, or that
the friction material used on the brakes was of questionable quality.
The high frequency squealing sound, when braking, is caused by brake pads
vibrating. Improper assembly procedures are the most common cause for
brake squeal. Proper inspection, preparation, cleaning and lubrication
of braking components is critical in preventing brake squeal. Also, realize
that not all braking materials, brake pads or shoes, are created equal.
Discount brake pads or shoes are not of the same quality engineering and
material as original equipment or quality aftermarket brakes. It's like
re-capped tires compared to radials tires. They both do the same job but...
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