How To Fix Squeaking Subaru Brakes
Your Subaru car brakes are one of the most important parts on your vehicle. They are what keep you safe and secure when you’re driving down the road, and when they start to fail, it can be very dangerous. You should always check your brakes to make sure they’re in good working order and not making noise or that they squeak while driving. This guide will show you how to fix squeaking car brakes so that you can get back on the road safely and quickly:
Clean Off the Pads
You’ll need to remove the pad and clean it with a wire brush. If you don’t have an air compressor, use a lubricant like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil to clean off the pad. Then apply some brake grease on both sides of it, put it back onto your car, and check if it still squeaks.
If other parts make noise when applied pressure (for example, if your rotors are rusty), clean them as well with a wire brush before using any type of lubricant on them
Clean off the rotors
If you have a wire brush, use it to clean off the rotors. If not, try using a solution of water and vinegar instead—this should help remove any rust from your rotor surfaces before applying brake grease or another lubricant. When cleaning your rotors, ensure they are dry before putting on new brake pads!
Apply Anti-squeal Compound
The anti-squeal compound is a lubricant that will help the pads slide more smoothly over the rotors. However, this is a temporary fix; if you constantly apply anti-squeal compounds to your brakes, it’s time to replace them entirely. You can use an anti-squeal compound with an aerosol can (make sure not to get any on your vehicle or wheels).
Wash the Brakes
Washing your brakes may seem relatively simple, but it can be surprisingly tricky to do correctly. The most important thing is to use a high-quality brake cleaner designed to avoid damaging your car’s paint job. Spray the cleaner onto both sides of the brake pad and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. This should eliminate any dirt or grime between the pad and rotor, reducing friction and helping to eliminate squeaking when you press down on your pedal.
Lubricate the Brakes
In addition to changing the brake shoes, you’ll need to make sure your car is properly lubricated. Brakes require constant maintenance and care. If you don’t take care of them, they will squeak and squeal incessantly until they fail completely. The best way to avoid this is by using high-quality brake lubricant regularly (read more below).
Apply the lubricant to all areas of the brakes that are in contact with each other, including:
- The brake pad surface
- The caliper piston area (if applicable)
- Brake lines that connect each wheel and its respective caliper
- Rotor edges (if applicable)
Squeaky brakes are not only annoying, but they are also a sign of a deeper problem with your vehicle.
Taking care of your car, new or old is imperative for its safety and longevity. It’s important to take care of the squeaking brakes now so you don’t have to replace them later on down the road.