I notice my brakes squeeking like they were worn down the other day.
I took the brakes off a little while ago and checked them. The pads (front end) had 1/8" of wear on them, both sides equal in wear. In other words, there is plenty of pad left.
I did notice that on the back of each pad there are two pieces of metal about 20 thousandths of an inch thick. The outer pieces were damaged. I ground the rivets off and removed them and now, no squeal.

What are those pieces of metal for? Surely not to warn of brake wear as they are on the opposite side from the pads.

 

Anti squeal insulators I think. Most pads anymore have these, some are plastic,some metal. The squeal as I am told is a high pitched vibration of sorts. I usually dont use them myself. less parts is better

 

Those are the wear indicators. When they touch, and squeal, it is a warning to replace your pads. Yes, they are a little high on the pad, but that's the manufacturers knowing that many people have no idea what's going on, or may not notice it immediately, so they give the driver a little more time before the pad starts eating the rotor. To me, if I get down that far, it's time for a brake job. Pads are cheaper than rotors.

Chris

 

Thanks guys for the replys. The thing is...... There is 1/2 inch of pad left!!!!!! I know that is not much wear. They are almost new. I just cant figure out what caused the metal shims to crumple.

 

Mine were the same way as I mentioned, kinda wrinkled up lookin. It looke like they were plastic of some sort. Dont know why.

 

Ok, apache, thanks. I just took mine off and put the same pads back on. Just wanted to make sure I wasnt messing anything up.

 

Perhaps you got a defective set, that had incorrect wear indicators installed on them.
You can see in the following picture that my wear indicator worked (hung caliper on the right side).

Chris

 

Stamey,,,,,dont forget bro, he has the dual piston caliper on that 2002. They are a little different than yours, but that probly has nothing to do with the squeel..lol


I replaced my pads a few months ago, and they have squeeked every since. I hate it. I have plenty of pad left, and the rotors are slick and shiny.

oh well.

 

I had the same problem with mine squealing when coming to a stop and alot more frequent when brakes were used alot {city driving}. I took the pads off and they are about 90% to the good. I took the pads and cleaned the back side of the pad with brake cleaner then applied CRC brake silencer {tefelon compound} and the noise stopped. I have done this application on other units and they seem to quiet the noise down almost 100%. I imagine the more you city drive the faster the application will wear out. I so far have been pleased with the out come.

 

Pal, I know they are different. Don't rub it in. lol.
It is my belief that we are talking about the wear indicator and this should not be much different. The pic was offered as an example.

And I am looking into the possibility of upgrading my brakes to be as big/good as the later models, but for now it's

Chris

 

Its cool. I was just pickin.

 

Do the 2001s have the dual piston calipers? I just got my truck about a month ago and have yet to even take the wheels off. I do plan on it soon, because I have a slight squeek on one wheel. I have the CRC on hand.

 

Thats a big 10-4 sir.

 

Thanks again guys. It looked to me as if it wouldnt hurt anything to grind off the shims, so I guess it's ok.