Squealing Brembos on a 159

[blueblood1995]

Hi Fellow Alfa (159) Owners

I understand it is a common problem but am now having issues with a set of squealing Brembos on my 159.
Car is a 2010 JTD Ti purchased second hand in July 2014 with 18,500km on the clock.
Brakes started making noises just prior to 40k servicing. Between 40k and 50k noise became progressively worse.
Had original Alfa discs and pads replaced 3 weeks ago at 50k but noise still persists.

Noise most apparent when "feathering" the brakes when coming to a slow stop and not under hard braking.
Can happen under any circumstance and there's no logic to when and where.

Any ideas to eliminate the abhorrent screams? Is the car simply swearing at me in Italian? 

I did read on a UK forum that universal anti squeal brake pad shims and grease has helped others. Mintex make these products as I'm sure some others do.

Thanks in advance...

Cheers
BB

[sidmann]

i would recommend staying clear of the Chinese made aftermarket Brembos disc rotor and pads that is currently out there. had many issues using them on mercs and bmws. stick with the genuine pads or TRW.

stupid question, but did you check all brake pads? especially the rear brake pads? noise coming from the front or rear?

[blueblood1995]

Thanks Sidmann

Only had the fronts done. New OEM discs and pads courtesy of my Alfa mechanic.

I read somewhere you can tell if its the rear brakes squealing by lightly pulling the handbrake. If the noise disappears then it's the rears that are the problem. Does this sound correct?

Btw what's "TRW"?

Regards
BB

[Potsie]

Cant really offer any help, but my 159 (also a 2010) has brake squeal at low speed - eg. when parking etc.

Brake pads and rotors are genuine (and visually both good) .. I just put up with it.  Potsie.

[As the day goes]

Same problem I had. New pads and machined discs noise went away.

[blueblood1995]

Found this on the web. What do people think?

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_squeaking_brakes.shtml

[bazzbazz]

Quickest way to get rid of squealing is to follow the advice on using "copperslip". It is a copper based grease, use it on the sliders and contact area between pistons and back of the pads.

You can get copper based greases specifically for this at places like Supercheap, Autobarn, any brake sprcialist.

Almost guarantee the squeal disappears. 

Baz

[As the day goes]

Well I got a bit of squeal at at low speeds coming to a stop but only after the brakes are warm.

Took it to ABS. Could not replicate it but noted some sort of silicon compound that was used to stop the squeak. They cleaned all of this up.

Noted that the front rotors cannot be machined and that the brake pads were over hanging the rotor. Noted that the pads were down 60%.  Also the front pads are different compound to the rear.

So I guess once the fronts need to be done, I will change back and front rotors and get new pads for the rear.

ABS recommend Bendix at around $1200 for the lot.

[V AR 164]

Back when I had my 159 I had the same issue with squealing brakes. Like what Bazz recommended, pull the pads out and use a copper based grease and slide the pads back in again. I did it to the front and rear on mine and it stopped the squealing. Aparently it is caused by the vibrations between the rotors and pads and the grease acts as a shock absorber to reduce this vibration.

If you need to replace the pads and rotors, I highly, highly, highly recommend DBA T2 rotors and Bendix general-ct pads. I did it to mine and I couldn't believe the difference it made with brake dust. With my old pads I'd drive it to work once and you could actually see the brake dust on the front wheels. With the Bendix pads I could go a whole week without noticing the dust.

Andrew.

[As the day goes]

highly recommend DBA T2 rotors and Bendix general-ct pads.

I think the CTs are the ones they would put on.  And Bendix rotors I cannot find any except for performance grooved ones.
But online, I found Brembo rotors from Sparesbox to suit.

Frankly I have never done brake pads so I would not be comfortable in dismantling them to grease the pins.
They mentioned someone had used a silicone something to stop the squealing in the past. Sound right?

[Domenic]

club sponsors?


Bazz is that suttle enough?

[As the day goes]

Only club sponsors have touched my car in 6 years.

[Craig_m67]

Replacing the front brakes (pads/rotors) is not much harder than taking off the front wheel, honestly.

Is that $1,200 all inclusive (OEM parts)?

[bazzbazz]

club sponsors?


Bazz is that suttle enough?

Bout as subtle as a "Brick wrapped in lemon" 

[As the day goes]

Yes $1200 is all inclusive.