It squeaks only when you brake and not just when you're driving?

If so, I'd assume it was caused by the mismatch of wear patterns b/t the new pads and old rotor.

But if it's squeaking all the time, I'd think warper rotor. And if your braking power diminishes, I'd think that I need to take it a mechanic.

IANAMechanic

Yeah, only when braking, and the old pads and rotors were a "matched set" bought at the same time. "Mismatch of wear patterns b/t the new pads and old rotor" sounds more likely than warped rotor now that you mention it. Thanks.

I am so not a mechanic but I just had my brakes done and they sounded like yours. In my case it was a stuck caliper, which then effed up the rotor. I'm pretty sure that doesn't help you any, but this was a good opportunity to bitch about having to break out the credit card for the first time in a long time.

I was kind of worried about that, desjardins, since my calipers seem to be sticky. But the fact that the noise stops when I let off the brakes seems to indicate they don't stay stuck. Did your brakes make the noise all the time or just when braking?

Doesn't sound like anything to worry about, unless it's squeaking all the time as opposed to only when you apply the brakes. Different brake pad materials make different amounts and kinds of noises (ie one brand may squeak, another not). It's normal for brakes and the rim they are attached to to get hot. Unless it's getting super hot when you've only driven a short distance, it's normal.

It's quite amazing how much heat cars generate in various places. If you drive a car with tubular exhaust headers (as opposed to cast) at highway speeds for a while, the exhaust will glow read-hot. The only way you'll see this, though, is if you open the bonnet in a dark place straight after stopping. Brakes generate immense heat, especially if you're driving fast and braking hard. Steel rims will get quite hot and stay hot for a long time.

Thanks, dg.

I love the part about laying in the grass. Thanks for that.