Squealing Brakes....

[lsharp]

i bought a car just before xmas and everything was fine on the test drive etc iv now noticed when i brake it squeals, it had a service in september and everything was good when i rung the dealer they said it may be hard spots? i don't no if i'm worrying over nothing as i don't really expect to be replacing brake parts when iv only had car a month! anyone no if it's normal?

[bhg481]

It can be a simple as a bit of grit got stuck between the pads and the disc - no great problem. If the pads are worn the service should have spotted that, so I wouldn't have thought that was the problem.

[lsharp]

ahh ok i had it cleaned the other day though lol

[donny48]

The use of copper grease on the back of the brake pad usually cures a squeal. It requires the removal of the brake pads and great care to not get any grease on the face of the pad that contacts the disc. Numerous videos on u-tube.

[malagabob]

Just because you had it serviced doesn't mean the brakes pads have not worn out in 5-6 months.
Maybe it's salt/grit picked up.
Best to get it checked for piece of mind.

[donny48]

My previous advice assumes of course that the pads and discs are in good order.

[bhg481]

It's just dawned on me that the car was last serviced BEFORE you bought it, hence any recommendations to have the brakes re-lined may not have been given to you; indeed, that might be something that prompted the previous owner to sell rather than incur the expence himself. Take malagabob's advice and get them checked - there are plenty of places that will give you a free check.

[gingejbee]

There are minor, intermediate and major services...just because the car was "serviced" in September, doesn't mean that the brakes were included..it depends on the actual service done, who did it and if they did a thorough job, of course!

[lsharp]

the service was done by citroen dealers who i bought the car from so they've have assured me brakes were fine at the service i'm currently having them checked in a garage wish me luck!

[lsharp]

ok so garage took it for a drive last night said they got it up to 60 and did a last min hard brake which got the glaze off where it's been sat at the dealers for so long, everything was good the squeal went! this morning i got the car heated etc and it was all good but i can still hear a very slight squeal nowhere near as bad as yesterday am i worrying over nothing i have to drive over dust and pebbles everyday as my work car park is like this which i don't thinks helping!

[bhg481]

The only real thing to worry about with squeally brakes is that the pads are worn out and you've got the metal backing rubbing against the disk when you brake. This clearly isn't happening in your case, so no need to worry further. A bit of dust or grit on the pads doesn't do any harm.
Incidentally, good of you to come back and let us know the result; not everybody is so thoughtful.

[gingejbee]

If your car is parked outside in wet weather, it's surprising just how quickly rust will appear on the discs and if your car is used lightly laden and you use the brakes gently...that rust tends to hang around.
To keep them in good condition, brakes benefit from a bit of hard use, occasionally.

[lsharp]

haha i thought i'd let you all no :) oh well i'm glad that citroen didn't rip me off and the full service and mot was all good! ill turn the radio up abit louder haha and yea i only do school drop off and to work which is literally 5 mins away! maybe i should not be such a cautious driver and slam on my brakes abit more hehe thanks for all your help though! xx