Does anybody else suffer with very squeaky brakes on their Imprezas, especially during gentle braking? I came back from a weekend blasting around the Welsh countryside in my MY97 Turbo 5dr and the noise was unbearable. I took it to my local dealer who told me I needed all the pads deglazed, at a cost of £65. Apparently, the glazing up is because they are no longer permitted to put asbestos in the brake pads. After the treatment the car was great, and the breaks felt much better too, but 500 miles later the squealing is back again. Any suggestions? Or should I buy some different pads (I think they're the originals but still plenty of life left in them)?
Graeme

 

It's just one of the things you will have to get used to I'm afraid. Some cars seems to be worse than others, with the majority running on standard pads being mostly silent. Harder pads will generally only make things worse!

The deglazing process you can probably do yourself. Simply remove the road wheels one at a time, remove the pads, and simply "clean up" the surface with sandpaper, and replace. Applying some of the copper type grease to the back of the pad can also help.

 

I agree with John - "They all do that sir."
Uprated pads are even worse. Live with it, or brake harder!

 

Take the car out and brake HARD several times, say 70 mph down to 30. That will improve the situation. This usually works on harder pads such as 1155 and 1166 as well as the standard ones.

 

Guys,

I've had this same problem on a V6 Cavalier (I know, I know, I shouldn't really be swearing on the BB!!) but if you take the pads out and chamfer (SP?) off the leading edge this should improve the squealing.

HTH,

Paul