Squeaky brakes

If you are referring to squeaking at low speed, just before coming to a stop, that is normal. There are a bunch of opinions as to why the squeak before stopping. If you want to reduce the squeaking, try a set of ceramic compound brake pads. If you go with the ceramic pads, you will get shorter stopping distance and less (my experience has been almost none) brake dust on the wheels in the bargain. The downside to ceramic pads is that you have to pay for the pads and installation, since they are an aftermarket item.

 

In normal driving the Prius friction brakes get infrequent and light use. The front rotors can develop mild to severe corrosion that can cause noise and brake grabbing

Use a flashlight to inspect your front rotors. If they have a surface of light red rust - that is they are NOT shiny smooth and clean - that could contribute to squeal

Moisture in the pads can also cause squeaking and squeal. In rare cases, the pad may have become delaminated from the metal backer and in that case, the pad is toast

I would recommend finding a safe place to perform the following, perhaps an empty parking lot or an empty rural road somewhere. Get up to about 35-40 MPH, shift into N, and then do hard braking. That will force Brake Assist and the normal friction brakes will stop the car

Another option if you have a hilly area is to shift into N and lightly ride the brakes a bit to heat them up.

The rotor rust problem is the worst if you always park outside and happen to live in an area that has road salt applied to melt ice

 

The brakes on my new 08 Prius were squeaking for the first time this morning since I got the car a month ago. Not for very long, just initially the first 5 minutes of drive.

 

in cold weather I've had the brakes squeeking a little bit for the first few minutes of driving in all the cars I have ever owned.

I think its cause the car is so cold it just wants to get up and go to warm up, so the car is fighting your foot when you want to brake cause the car wants to warm up by driving.

Pressing the brake pedal too lightly may also contribute to it.

bottom line, nothing to worry about unless it continues to squeek after the car is warmed up.

aftermarket ceramic pads are obviously a better choice than aftermarket semi-metallic pads cause they won't squeek, but your factory oem brake pads shouldn't squeek unless there's a problem.

 

Thanks cnschult - that makes sense as I live up north. I just wonder why it took 4 weeks before it happened?

 

Hi Isaac,

I have an '06 with 75K KM, and I think I have the same squeak you describe, for about a year now. It is a very subtle squeak when the brakes are applied gently are moderate speeds (as high as ~ 30-40KM/h). There is no vibration and if you brake harder it goes away. It sounds like one of those brake wear indicators that are designed to squeal when your pads are finished.

This sound is different from the grinding one would hear from cold or (rain) corroded brakes.

I did have the car at the dealership about a month ago for regular service (including brake cleaning). After that, the noise was gone for about 2 weeks, but is now back again. I have just learned to ignore it (it is very subtle), as I know it is nothing serious. BTW, they told me I had 80% life on the front pads remaining, 90% for the rear shoes.

Unfortunately, I can't give a firm explanation as to what would cause it, though changing the brake pads would probably fix it. If it bothers you that much...

 

I've had my '08 Prius for about a month now, and have noticed my brakes squeak lightly (not very loud, but it's there) in the morning when I'm backing out of my carport at very low speed. It only happens in reverse, and it only happens when the car is cold (e.g. has been sitting overnight). By the time I turn the car around and drive out onto the street, the squeaking is gone for the day.

 

This... The regen in NHW20 is so good that the brakes almost never see usage.