kevinlieb

I am getting a terrible brake squeal on my front brakes. It seems to only happen when the brakes are warm to hot: after a lot of mild braking, like going down a 2 mile hill with stop signs every 0.2 miles. It happens with light brake pressure. Its loud enough that everyone passing by looks over to see what kind of garbage truck is coming, then they see my porsche instead

PO replaced the brakes with ceramic, not sure what brand. and "upgraded rotors" but not sure from what.

I got some of the stuff you smear on the back of the brake pads to stop squeal but didn't apply it yet. Any other ideas what could cause this and how to fix it "properly"?

Jim M.

Brake squeal is actually your pads vibrating as they are applied. Do you have the factory anti-squeal discs on the pads? The stuff you smear on the backs of the pads also works. You can also file or sand the leading edges of the pads at a 45 deg angle, that is also supposed to help. I always used the factory discs and never had a problem.

TheClairvoyant

The factory anti squeal damper discs are great. My brakes have squealed for as long as I've owned my car.

I recently replaced the pads and rotors myself and used Porsche dampers. When doing the job, I saw my mechanic that last replaced the brakes didn't use the dampers.

For the first time in 17 years, my brakes don't squeal.

It feels as though a curse on my car was lifted.

That squealing was annoying and embarassing.

kevinlieb

Thanks all. I suspect the factory anti-squeal damper discs are missing on mine. Anyone have an extra set they can send me? I'm afraid if I go to Porsche they will only come with new pads, but perhaps I can buy them separately.

I'd rather keep it "factory" and not smear the goo on the back of the pads if I can avoid it.

Leon Speed

They are available separately. Any of the vendors here can get them for you or have them in stock. In the meanwhile, stick a pressure washer through the wheel and try to get the caliper as clean as possible. Sometime cleaning off brake dust gets rid of the squeal.