I just had all four brake pads replaced and the rotors machined on my '05 F-150 by what I thought was a reputable shop. After they were replaced the fronts started squeaking really bad when I went to stop but only sometimes. I took it back to the shop and they said I didn't let the new brakes adjust and used them too hard. Now they are saying I need to replace the front rotors. Has anyone had this problem? Any advice would help.

 

well..........if the rotors were cut and pads replaced, the pads should have been "bed" into the rotor. Meaning that the brake are 'posed to go through a moderate heat cycle to properly align the compound in the pad and the molecular structure in the rotor. This should have been done by the shop, but i guess they arent as reputable as one would make them out to be.

 

I just had to have the fronts and backs done on my '04 that has only 35000 miles. I had all four rotors turned and the brakes replaced and the system flushed. I thought that was a little premature for a complete brake job. As for squeaking, it could be just newness. They do make something you can put on them that is supposed to stop that. I have never used it but they say it works.

 

I've always used a 'disc brake quiet' product to prevent disc squeal. I hates to do the same job twice! It's sprayed on the back metal portion of the pad before installation. Haven't had any problems with brake squeal after using this.

If there were any special driving considerations, such as a break-in period or usage, the shop should have told you about this.

With the push for fuel economy and shedding weight, rotors ain't what they used to be. I think one, maybe two, turnings is about all that can be expected now before the rotor is below minimum thickness.

 

With the agressive material of the new brake pads they wear the rotors alot more than they used to. I would recommend replacing the rotors with the pads, not turning the rotors. The more metal you take off the less rigidity the rotors have. They cannot dissapate the heat as well as full rotors. Put antiseize on the back of the brake pads and bevel the leading edge of the pad to help stop squealing. Do 3 stops, real easy, 20 to 0 then 3 stops 40 to zero real easy. Let the brakes cool for 5 minutes then 3 stops 50 to zero. Let htem cool. Then drive like normal.

 

thanks everyone! the suggestions have been really helpful. Hopefully it stops the squeaking cause it drivin me nuts!