96 LT1 coupe

The front calipers squeak. How do you prevent it? Is there some kind of material or clip I need? The pads have been replaced, then replaced again with a ceramic type. The rotors are new. The hubsand matingrotor surfaceshave been carefully cleaned per the service manual (sorotors fitflush and don't wobble). The squeak comes from the shoe backer top edge feature, opposite the spring, rubbinginits mating notch of the caliper bracket.It squeaks onlywhen "floating". Stops when applying thebrakes, because all tightens up. Tried the red RTV stop-squeak to no avail. (red stuff doesn't remain on the rubbing edge, anyway.)Tried filing the mating surfaces smooth. It's as if some sort of ceramic piece should be inserted between this brake pad edge and its mating surface on the caliper bracket. Maybe I just need to drive it more to break in the surfaces? It's been >500 miles already. Never had this on any floating caliper GM car in my life!
When passing people I apply the brakes just to stop the embarrasment!Really bad when in a corvette parade!

Thanks.
eewiz
Louisville, KY

 

Did you install the anti rattle clips that usually come with new brake pads?

 

You mean the spring clip as pictured? Yes they're on as intended.
Thanks


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hi eewiz
Sounds like a puzzle. WhatI think I have read is you replaced pads 2 times trying to find this problem and cleaned the new rotors with soap and water as per Manuel. Was this a problem after or before the first pad change? It doesn't sound like a bedding problem to me more like vibration of the pad or caliper. You might want to check for a bad pin or the wrong cer clip on the pin. the big brake cir clips are different then the standard clip. also the hold down bolts for the caliper bracket should have lock tight on them if not replaced. I have never had this problem but I would be looking for new pins lock tight on the bolts and checking for binding of the pads as they return to the off position. I think it is a variation.
Good Luck
Ric W.

 

I know exactly where the squeak comes from. Its tough to explain without seeing it. The 'bias spring' on the outboard shoe backer pushes the shoe upwards against the caliper bracket receiving "half circle" on the top (other end of the shoe). When floating, the shoe backerrubs inside the bracket"half circle" with pressure due to the 'bias spring'. Its steel against steel. Idont know why ALL the brakes don't squeak with this design. There's nothing you can put in there because it'd get chewed up real quick.The pins (at the bottom next to 'bias spring') are new and unworn.The cir clips maybe getting worn because on/off/on few times - (I really need to be getting new circlips!) Its getting louder squeakyeach drive. Seems to be mostly onright front for some reason. The right and left have identical parts replaced at same time. I think the Lateral Runout must be worse on the right. (Service manual Sect 5B1). Maybe the new rotor is crap and I should have it checked for flatness. The squeak seems to come from rotor wobbling which causes the rubbing.
Thanks for thinking about it.
eewiz(Greg G)
Louisville, KY

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Hay eewiz keep us posted you have a great subject title that will be looked at often. Let us know what you find.
Ric W

 

Did your brake pads come with the insulating pads that stick on? If so, your calipers might be worn. Also, did you lube the slides?