Nissan's Solution to squeeky breaks...

[rdsworks]

Alrite, So I finally found some time to bring my V to get serviced for some squeeking breaks... sadly when I went it was raining which made the breaks not squeek.

So a tech went on a road test with me and only heard them do it once... So when we get back to the shop I go into the area where the guy has his computer and explains to be this is a "common" problem where debris get stuck on the break pads.. blah blah blah...

and then tells me his solution... his exact words are

"Go on the highway going about 100km/h and SLAM on your breaks"

I looked at him a little puzzled and then made him explain his logic.. which made some sense, it would burn off all of the debris on the pads, making them like new.

So the next day when it had stopped raining i decided to give it a shot... and it worked :S Now I didn't slam them from 100 to 0, but from 100 down to 60, and now they don't squeek....

Maybe this story will help anyone else with this problem.

[CodeRed]

Nothing like glazing your pads and rotors mmm tasty. This is funny how so many users on our forum suffer from the squeaky brakes when my last V never had it and my current one doesn't either.

[Vahagn23]

Going 50 on a highway and slamming breaks sounds kinda dangerous.

[Great White Versa]

Nothing like glazing your pads and rotors mmm tasty. This is funny how so many users on our forum suffer from the squeaky brakes when my last V never had it and my current one doesn't either.

If I'm not mistaken, you only glaze your brakes after prolonged light application. Like, for example, using your brakes to maintain speed down a long, steep incline.

[frankoV]

fwiw: was told (previous vehicle) that going to an empty parking lot, reversing, and slamming (his words -- he probably should have said "apply deliberate pressure) resets pads, cleans particles of debris, etc, and prolongs life of brakes.

[scooterbob]

I use a slightly different method, but same over all idea.

Normally when I install new brake pads or get the feeling that they are making noise from being glazed I follow a procedure I learned from a mechanic a long time ago.

Take your car out of an open freeway (with little traffic if possible) and accelerate to a steady 60 mph. Apply your brakes slightly until you feel the first sign of slowing down. While still at this position with the brake pedal, maintain your speed of 60 mph. Do not change your brake pedal position during this time! Do all this for 15 seconds. Then, drive 2-3 minutes for cool down. Then start process over again, but increase time to 20 seconds. Continue to do these steps until reaching a 30 second session. After this you should not have any more noise and your pads are properly seated, or glaze removed.

This is only my way of doing it and take it for what ever it's worth. It works for me, since I frequently glaze my pads with aggresive driving.

[TheClevelandSound]

hm...yeah im gonna try that, mine only squeak when Im backin out of a parking spot.

[wingFeather]

OMG NOOOOOOoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please don't do attempt the procedure listed above. Do not ride the brakes.

Basically you want to brake hard, almost coming to a complete stop, but never riding the brake pedal and never keeping you foot on the brake when coming to a complete stop after heating them up through cycles like this.

Here is a better explanation, direct from Willwood:

PAD BEDDING

... To bed-in your brake pads, begin by applying the brakes at low speeds to assure proper system operation. On the race track or other safe location, make a series of hard stops from moderate to slower speeds. Gradually, increase the speed and the braking until the pads reach a hot racing temperature. If your car has brake cooling ducts, you may want to close them to hasten the process. If any brake pad fade is experienced during the bed-in, immediately begin the cool down process. Drive the car at slow to moderate speeds while the pads begin to cool, and be sure not to drag the brake pedal. Pit or park the car with minimal brake use and allow the brakes to finish cooling ...

[scooterbob]

What and who says "Willwood" is the final say and correct in this case? I understand Wilwood is excellent at what they do, but to say any other method is incorrect is not being very objective in the matter. Besides, Wilwood is mainly talking about high performance brakes and racing, not factory/stock aren't they? Nothing about used or noisy brakes in your quote.

Besides, the company you are quoting is Wilwood, not "Willwood". At least get the name of the source right.

Flame on dude, flame on.

[scooterbob]

Check the Wilwood source. --> http://brakepads.wilwood.com/03-tech/index.html Our methods are not too different.

Where did you get your "Willwood" info?

[CodeRed]

Ah yes, sorry. It was 1AM i was a little tired lol. Riding your bakes lightly for a period of time will glaze them. A way to de-glaze them would to do a few 'harder then normal' stops. This doesn't necessarily mean on the highway but in a safe location with little to no traffic.