Posted by Boomer on January 25, 2003 at 04:11:15:
In Reply to: Brake squeal theory ? posted by Krug on January 25, 2003 at 03:09:21:
Not my favorite year of Vette but then again I don't have anything like it since parting with my Turbo Supra. Jealous of your wheels. LOL
In my experiece with brakes I have found four main problems. One is rust / corrosion. Two is lack of lubrication. Three is cheap rebuilds. Four is lack of fluid changes.
You do not need metal to metal contact between caliper piston and brake pad backing. Many vehicles have phenolic plastic caliper pistons.
What you do need is two clean surfaces separated by a layer of lubrication in the form of a brake grease. The better pads, I use Raybestos, have a high quality painted finish. If the mfg suggests it then shims, usually aluminium, are stuck to the pad backing before the lube is applied.
The disc also needs to be trued and the rust removed from the mounting area between the hub and disc. After cleaning lube is applied in the contact area.
What you are trying to achieve is isolation so that vibrations are absorbed. Many new pads come with the leading edge chamfered back and this also is a trick to try.
I have also found calipers in which the piston seal would not pull the piston back thus causing noise and of course wear. This can happen on new.
Spraying everything with Brake Clean will make it worse. Far better for your vehicle and your health is soap and hot water, especially for internal parts.
Brake bleeding ..... not enough time to go into that but again fluid changes every two years will save you $$$ in the long run, especially if you have ABS.
On your Savage it probably has minimal lube and if pressure washed clean even less. Take apart, lube, put a small chamfer on the leading edge and see if the squeal ceases.
Neatest thing I can remember on a Vette was looking at a glowing hot disc made that way by a 4 piston caliper. A little night racing when gas was cheap and cops were few.