Replaced pads with Akebono...a squeak now exists on bumps if no brake applied

[hotleadsingergu]

Good morning!

I replaced my pads with Akebonos a few weeks back and everything went swimmingly. I've changed many brakes in my life, so there really wasn't any trouble. A few days later, I started noticing a squeak when I hit any kind of jolt, but only if no brake pressure was being applied. If any level of brake pressure is being applied, no squeak at all. For that reason I'd assume it's something in the caliper, but I can't target it.

It seems to happen with both front sides, but I can't seem to figure out what, exactly, is causing it.

On a potentially related note: When I leave the garage in the morning, the first time I apply brakes (as I'm going onto my driveway, usually) there's a quick metallic thunk in the wheel wells. The only possible explanation I have, potentially for both, is that the pads are a hair too tall and overnight the pads sit a bit on the ridge of the rotors. It explains this sound, and it could potentially explain the second if it's always just sitting on the ridge a bit, so bumps are making it vibrate unevenly.

Any thoughts? I only replaced the pads, not rotors, around 9,000 miles. Rotors still look to be in great shape.

[SteveYem]

Good morning!

I replaced my pads with Akebonos a few weeks back and everything went swimmingly. I've changed many brakes in my life, so there really wasn't any trouble. A few days later, I started noticing a squeak when I hit any kind of jolt, but only if no brake pressure was being applied. If any level of brake pressure is being applied, no squeak at all. For that reason I'd assume it's something in the caliper, but I can't target it.

It seems to happen with both front sides, but I can't seem to figure out what, exactly, is causing it.

On a potentially related note: When I leave the garage in the morning, the first time I apply brakes (as I'm going onto my driveway, usually) there's a quick metallic thunk in the wheel wells. The only possible explanation I have, potentially for both, is that the pads are a hair too tall and overnight the pads sit a bit on the ridge of the rotors. It explains this sound, and it could potentially explain the second if it's always just sitting on the ridge a bit, so bumps are making it vibrate unevenly.

Any thoughts? I only replaced the pads, not rotors, around 9,000 miles. Rotors still look to be in great shape.

When you installed the new pads, what did you put on the back plates? The first time I replaced my front pads I used anti-squeal grease on the backing plates just like I had with every other brake job on previous cars, but I started experiencing a rattle/clank sound every time I hit a bump in the road. Then a member on the forum suggested that I use CRC Disc Brake Quiet (https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Disc-Brak.../dp/B000CINV88) which turns into somewhat of a glue once it dries, and helps to keep the brake pads from rattling around within the unloaded caliper. If you recall, when you removed the OEM pads they should have been stuck in place with a tacky rubber cement / glue-like material, so this helps to replicate that installation method. I followed the advice and reinstalled the pads using this CRC product and the rattle/clank noise went away.

[hotleadsingergu]

When you installed the new pads, what did you put on the back plates? The first time I replaced my front pads I used anti-squeal grease on the backing plates just like I had with every other brake job on previous cars, but I started experiencing a rattle/clank sound every time I hit a bump in the road. Then a member on the forum suggested that I use CRC Disc Brake Quiet (https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Disc-Brak.../dp/B000CINV88) which turns into somewhat of a glue once it dries, and helps to keep the brake pads from rattling around within the unloaded caliper. If you recall, when you removed the OEM pads they should have been stuck in place with a tacky rubber cement / glue-like material, so this helps to replicate that installation method. I followed the advice and reinstalled the pads using this CRC product and the rattle/clank noise went away.

I used the anti-squeal grease that came with the pads. Guess I can try that! Thanks

[fisky84]

I installed the same pads and had a similar issue in one of my wheels. I found that i didn't tighten the bolt tight enough (has to be on really tight apparently) and that was causing the metallic noise for me. I found out that one of the bolts was gone..

just in case the other option doesnt work.

Michael

[Killerboots]

My installer mentioned to me that my Akebono pads when placed into the S4 calipers could make a click or thunk sound. Reason being the shape is ever so slightly different than the OEM pad profile and can move slightly upon backing up out of your garage or driveway then applying the brake and moving forward.

Was told this is normal and not to be alarmed. Once going forward with a tap of the brake would settle the pad into position.

That being said I've never heard any noises.

[hotleadsingergu]

My installer mentioned to me that my Akebono pads when placed into the S4 calipers could make a click or thunk sound. Reason being the shape is ever so slightly different than the OEM pad profile and can move slightly upon backing up out of your garage or driveway then applying the brake and moving forward.

Was told this is normal and not to be alarmed. Once going forward with a tap of the brake would settle the pad into position.

That being said I've never heard any noises.

Ya, that part doesn't really bother me much. I figured as much. It looks like the very inner-edge of the pad just falls overtop the inner ridge of the rotor. The first slight application of brake pressure probably seats it down onto the wearable part of the rotor and everything should be good.

I just want to get rid of this squeak! I took the wheels back off this past Saturday and inspected everything and all looked well. The bolts on the back of the caliper seemed nice and tight. I'm going to try the glue/paste listed above and see how it goes.

[skinnytirez]

Did you not get the rotors turned on a lathe before installing the new pads?

[hotleadsingergu]

Did you not get the rotors turned on a lathe before installing the new pads?

No not at this low mileage. There are no grooves or issues with braking.

[cspcrx]

I installed Akebono pads on with ECS slotted rotors. I have not had any clunks or squeaks yet, hope I did not ginks myself by saying that. Been on the car for over a month now.

I used grease and brake quite both to make sure. seems to have worked.

[S4Flyer]

I installed Akebono pads on with ECS slotted rotors. I have not had any clunks or squeaks yet, hope I did not ginks myself by saying that. Been on the car for over a month now.

I used grease and brake quite both to make sure. seems to have worked.

Just to follow-on this - installed Akebono pads and ECS slotted rotors up front, and just Akebono pads in the rear (kept stock rotors). Used the CRC Disc Brake Quiet for fronts and just grease for the rears.

Silent as the grave.

[waxxonMTL]

how you guys liking the akebono vs the oem ? sae stopping power but initial bite is less ? meaning when you need to jam the brake quickly in traffic, you will need to press harder to stop the same as oem ?

[14S4GWM]

The best part of the Akebonos is no dust. That initial bite is when your trying to creep up on something like a curb or garage and you gently touch the breaks and your head almost goes into the steering wheel. That bite disappears but the pads operate the same as oem.

[cspcrx]

I am very happy with them and love the lack of dust. My rears are still stock and they now get dirty first!

[14S4GWM]

I am very happy with them and love the lack of dust. My rears are still stock and they now get dirty first!

Me too, the difference is crazy.

[mike907]

Just installed the akebonos recently and you definitely have to adjust to the brake more, but when it's time to slam on them, they stop. Takes just a few drives to get used to, but they are great pads.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[eurotic]

Just installed the akebonos recently and you definitely have to adjust to the brake more, but when it's time to slam on them, they stop. Takes just a few drives to get used to, but they are great pads.

Can you clarify a bit more on how you need to adjust? Do you mean the initial bite is less than stock, which I believe is common for ceramic pads? Do you find that the first few stops are poor but get better as the pads heat up or is it pretty consistent?

[KRp220]

I am very happy with them and love the lack of dust. My rears are still stock and they now get dirty first!

same here. i had the same pads installed on the rears within a week!
one of the best "mods" i've done actually

[hotleadsingergu]

The best part of the Akebonos is no dust. That initial bite is when your trying to creep up on something like a curb or garage and you gently touch the breaks and your head almost goes into the steering wheel. That bite disappears but the pads operate the same as oem.

This. No dust, almost at all, no squeal during the winter, and they stop wonderfully. It's way more linear instead of 75% of the stopping power being in the first quarter-inch. It also makes it much easier to have softer stops.

[S4Flyer]

Can you clarify a bit more on how you need to adjust? Do you mean the initial bite is less than stock, which I believe is common for ceramic pads? Do you find that the first few stops are poor but get better as the pads heat up or is it pretty consistent?

The adjustment necessary for me was to get on the brakes sooner, and a little harder.

Because of the OEM squeal, tons of dust, and strong initial bite, I had developed the habit of avoiding braking when possible, and then braking late.

The first few drives I carried that habit over to the Akebonos, which meant I was braking late, but now without the 75% braking force in the first part of the pedal, so I wasn't stopping as expected.

Got my heart pumping a couple times in stop-n-go traffic, but now I'm used to them. They stop the car every bit as well as the OEMs, but the technique is different.

A side benefit is now whenever one of my kids drives my car, they don't put me through the windshield at the first stop sign we encounter.

Def a great upgrade.

[mjames]

Getting mine installed Mon. A bit nervous I'm going to rear-end someone in stop-and-go! But I think my wife will call me a smoother driver since Akenono's are more linear and won't throw her into the dash so easily. Just going to have to adjust. But the lack of brake dust is going to be a great thing -- my AG M590 rims take forever to clean and are coated after one day of driving.

[SteveYem]

I must be going crazy because I don't remember the OEM pads having an incredible amount of initial bite. My wife's mk7 GTI, on the other hand, will send you through the windshield.

[BoostEasy]

The squeal comes from the lack of the anti-squeal grease on all of the right parts. You must have missed something. I did both my wife's Camry and my S5 with them and there's not a peep out of either and no dust. Great pads.

As others said, the stopping power goes from touchy in the first part of travel down to nearly completely linear. It sounds bad but you get used to it after 3-5 days and adjust driving style. I don't notice or miss the old behavior and the car stops plenty good. I had a near incident a few weeks ago on dry highway when someone changed lanes suddenly right in front of me with no signal and I planted the brakes pretty hard. They worked really well and barked the tires immediately as the ABS kicked in and stopped hard. No regrets for street use.

[omegis83]

So I added CRC to the back of my Akebono pads to eliminate squeaking over bumps. It worked and my squeaks are gone. New problem is I now have random clunks on all four corners. Any clue as to why?

[sacandagaD]

So I added CRC to the back of my Akebono pads to eliminate squeaking over bumps. It worked and my squeaks are gone. New problem is I now have random clunks on all four corners. Any clue as to why?

You didn't use this did you? If so, that might be the problem, as it is not for our brake pads.

http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/prod....aspx?id=05016

I used silicone brake grease on my Akebonos and they have never made any noise.

[omegis83]

You didn't use this did you? If so, that might be the problem, as it is not for our brake pads.

http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/prod....aspx?id=05016

I used silicone brake grease on my Akebonos and they have never made any noise.

Yes because that's what was suggested in post #2. I remember my OEM were glued inside the calipers, so the CRC made sense to me.

And it was discussed here:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...or-Replacement

[SteveYem]

You didn't use this did you? If so, that might be the problem, as it is not for our brake pads.

http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/prod....aspx?id=05016

I used silicone brake grease on my Akebonos and they have never made any noise.

Interesting - why do you say that it isn't for our brake pads? It seems like it should function just like the adhesive that was applied to the pad backing plates from the factory.

[sacandagaD]

Interesting - why do you say that it isn't for our brake pads? It seems like it should function just like the adhesive that was applied to the pad backing plates from the factory.

My bad, should have reread that thread, as I got the non-shimmed pads confused from when we discussed it back in the DIY. I still think that you don't want to get that CRC on the pins and anything that slides, since it turns really sticky.