How do I get my brakes to stop squeaking?

Most brake squeaks are fixable with a few routine checks and adjustments. In many cases, noise comes from glaze on the pads, light rust on the rotors, or lubrication gaps at the calipers—and you can address these issues without a full brake job.

Common causes of brake squeal

Brake noise has several common culprits. The following list outlines the most frequent causes and what they imply for your braking system.

• Glazed brake pads or rotors from excessive heat or improper bedding-in


• Rust or disc rust on rotors, often more noticeable after moisture or cold starts



• Brake dust buildup and hardened pad backing shims or hardware


• Worn brake pads or missing/shim hardware causing vibration


• Pad material resonance (semi-metallic or other compounds) that can squeal under certain conditions


• Caliper or pad-contact hardware not lubricated or sliding pins sticking

In most cases, you can address these issues with routine inspection and maintenance. If the noise persists after basic checks, additional steps or a professional assessment may be needed.

Do-it-yourself steps to stop squeaking

Follow these steps to diagnose and mitigate brake squeal. Start with the simplest checks and progress to more involved fixes if needed.

1. Check pad thickness and rotor condition. If pads are worn below about 3 mm (roughly 1/8 inch) across the width, replace the pads. If rotors are deeply scored, warped, or below the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, they should be resurfaced or replaced by a mechanic.


2. Inspect for glazing or contamination. If you see a shiny glaze on the pad or rotor surfaces, cleaning and deglazing may help. Use a dedicated brake cleaner and avoid oil-based cleaners; do not use solvents on rotor faces.


3. Clean and inspect caliper hardware. Remove the wheels and inspect caliper pins, slides, and shims. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and re-grease with high-temperature brake grease on pins and contact surfaces where appropriate. Do not apply grease to the pad contact surfaces or rotor faces.


4. Deglaze and reseat the pads if necessary. For light glazing, lightly scuff the pad surface with fine-grit sandpaper (400–600 grit) or have the rotors resurfaced by a shop. Re-bed the pads after reinstalling them (see bedding-in steps below).


5. Bed-in new pads and rotors if you’ve replaced them. A proper bedding-in procedure helps avoid noise and rotor glazing. A common approach: perform 10–12 moderate stops from about 30–40 mph, allowing cooling between each stop, then drive normally to complete the process.


6. Check driving habits and compatibility. Some pad materials (especially certain ceramic or high-metallic formulations) can squeal at low speeds or when cold. If you’ve recently changed pads, allow time for bedding and heat cycling to settle.


7. Re-test and observe. After reassembly and bedding, take a short drive to test at low and moderate speeds to confirm whether the squeal has diminished.

If noise continues after cleaning, lubricating, and bedding, there may be an underlying issue with rotor surfaces, pad-material compatibility, or caliper hardware that warrants professional inspection.

When to see a professional

Some brake noises require professional diagnosis or replacement. Look for warning signs that DIY fixes may not be sufficient:

• Grinding or clunking sounds indicating metal-to-metal contact or rotor damage


• Pulsating brake pedal or reduced braking performance


• Squeal persists after cleaning, or occurs even with light braking


• Caliper pins feel sticky or won’t move freely, or there’s visible leakage


• Brakes overheat, emit a burning smell, or the rotor shows deep scoring or cracks


• Rotors are below minimum thickness or show signs of excessive wear

In these cases, a professional mechanic can diagnose caliper sticking, rotor warp, pad-material compatibility, and whether resurfacing or rotor replacement is necessary to ensure safe braking performance.

Summary

Brake squeaks are common but typically manageable with a structured approach: visually inspect pads and rotors, clean and lubricate where appropriate, address glazing, and properly bed in new components when replacements are made. If noises persist or you notice signs of rotor damage, pulsation, or fluid leaks, seek professional help promptly to ensure safe operation of your braking system.

How do I get my brake pedal to stop squeaking?

To fix a squeaky brake pedal, first try lubricating the linkage pivot points with a product like white lithium grease or silicon lubricant. If that doesn't work, the issue might be with the master cylinder or brake fluid, in which case a fluid flush and refill can help. For squeaks coming from the wheels, you may need to apply brake grease to the contact points on the caliper and brake pads or consider replacing the pads and rotors.
 
Lubricate the brake pedal linkage 
This video demonstrates how to lubricate the brake pedal linkage: 47sautomdvideosYouTube · Oct 27, 2010

1. Locate the brake pedal assembly under the dashboard near the steering column. 
2. Spray a lubricant, such as white lithium grease or silicon lubricant, on the pivot points and any other moving parts. 
3. Pump the brake pedal several times to work the lubricant in. 
4. Test the pedal to see if the squeak is gone. 

Address master cylinder or brake fluid issues 
This video shows how to flush and replace brake fluid: 43sHorsepower HouseYouTube · Jul 20, 2018

1. If the noise seems to come from the master cylinder area, remove as much of the old brake fluid as possible.
2. Refill the master cylinder with new, fresh brake fluid of the correct type (e.g., DOT 3).
3. Cycle the brake pedal several times until the noise diminishes. 

Address wheel-related squeaks 
This video explains why brake pads squeak and how to fix it: 1mHumbleMechanicYouTube · Mar 14, 2020

1. Apply brake grease: Remove the brake pads, apply a high-temperature brake grease to the back of the pads and the edges, and reassemble. Be careful not to get any lubricant on the rotor or pad friction surface. 
2. Clean and lubricate hardware: Clean the caliper slide pins and boots, then apply a small amount of lubricant to the slide pins before reinstalling them. 
3. Replace pads and rotors: If cleaning and greasing doesn't work, the pads and/or rotors may be worn. In this case, you will need to replace them with new ones, which is a more involved process. 
4. Check for anti-squeal shims: Install new anti-squeal shims on the back of the brake pads to absorb vibrations. 

Can I spray WD-40 on my brakes to stop squeaking?

No, you should not spray WD-40 on your brakes because it is a lubricant and will make the brakes slippery, causing them to fail or work improperly. Instead, use a dedicated brake cleaner to remove any grease or contaminants. If squeaking continues, it's best to have a qualified mechanic inspect the brakes for issues like worn pads or stuck components.
 
This video demonstrates how to clean brake parts using brake cleaner: 54sRepcoYouTube · Nov 18, 2021
Why you should not use WD-40 on brakes

• Reduced friction: WD-40 is a lubricant that can create a slippery film on the brake pads and rotors, severely compromising their ability to create friction and stop the vehicle. 
• Brake failure risk: If your brakes are compromised, your car may not be able to stop effectively, which is a significant safety risk for you and others. 
• Contamination: The WD-40 can seep into the brake pad material, and if it soaks in, the pads may need to be replaced entirely. 

What to do instead

• Use a brake cleaner: Spray a product specifically designed for cleaning brakes onto the rotors and wipe them down with a clean cloth. This can remove built-up dust and contaminants that might be causing the noise. 
• Check brake components: After cleaning, if the squeaking persists, the problem could be with the brake components themselves. The squeaking may be caused by issues like worn-out pads, a stuck caliper, or loose parts. 
• Consult a mechanic: For safety and to ensure a proper fix, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the brakes. 

What can I spray on my brakes to stop squeaking?

You can spray a brake cleaner on your brakes to remove dust and debris, which may solve light squeaking. For more persistent noise, you'll need to apply a specialized anti-squeal spray or paste to the back of the brake pads and the caliper's metal-to-metal contact points, never the friction surface. Avoid using common lubricants like WD-40 on the friction surfaces, as this can be dangerous. 
Step 1: Clean the brakes 

• Use a brake cleaner spray to remove dust and debris from the rotors and pads.
• Spray in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses.
• This may be enough to fix squeaks caused by dirt buildup. 

Step 2: Apply anti-squeal product (if needed) 

• This step requires removing the brake pads, which can be complex. If you're not comfortable with this, consult a professional. 
• Apply a small amount of brake grease, paste, or anti-squeal spray to the back of the brake pads and the metal-to-metal contact points where the pads slide within the caliper. 
• Do not: get any of this product on the friction material of the pad or the rotor surface. 
• Do not use: lubricants like WD-40, as they will contaminate the friction surface and compromise your brakes. 

Step 3: Bed in the new pads (if new pads were installed) 

• If you've replaced your pads, follow the manufacturer's instructions to "bed them in." 
• This process usually involves a series of moderate to hard stops from a moderate speed to properly transfer material to the rotor, which can help prevent squeaking. 

When to see a mechanic

• If cleaning and lubrication don't fix the squeak, it could indicate worn-out parts or a more serious issue. 
• Your brakes may need to be inspected and potentially replaced. 

How do I stop my brakes from being squeaky?

Before you change your pads, if only doing it for reducing the noise, try bedding in the pads first. - Go up to 70-80 mph, during an appropriate time and place, hit the brakes as hard as you can, as if you want to break the pedal (it won't break, don't worry), slow down to about 30 mph.