Squeeling Brakes

[Mike Hulse]

Not sure if this has been answered already. Everytime I brake it gives an awful screeching noise. No warning lights on the dash. I have been to have them cleaned by the garage, but it still persists. I have been told there is plenty of life left on my brake shoes, but if the cleaning didn't work I need to replace the discs and pads to the tune of £400!

Any help?

[btmaldon]

When the pads were last changed they probably didn't put any copper slip and the back of them. Its normally the pistons rubbing the back of the pads that causes the noise.

[Greydog]

If the pads were changed has everything been reassembled correctly? BMW supply anti squeal paste (copper slip) as part of the brake replacement kit. Another thought were the pads upgraded?

[Mike Hulse]

Pads haven't been replaced as there was apparently enough left on them. The disks where cleaned at a non BMW garage. I assumed that going to a BMW garage would be £££

[Greydog]

I use a BMW Specialist (less than half BMW labour rates) there doesn't seem to be much difference between OEM and decent quality after market brake parts from my experience both Cotswold BMW and Euro Car Parts have deals if your DIY ing. Have the brakes always squealed or has it started recently? I would make sure that they have been reassembled correctly with anti squeal shims in place if the pads were changed and the shims stuck to the old pads they may be missing?

[Mike Hulse]

Am not a car DIY'er by any stretch of the imagination. No it started about 4 months ago out of the Blue. So I took it to my local garage and they said they could clean them up as brake dust can build from the wheels. I asked them about the condition of the pads and that's what they told me.