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FIXING the squealing brakes

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by azgringo, Sep 23, 2009.

  1. azgringo

    azgringo New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2007
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    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I've read the posts about squeaking / squealing brakes. I had the same exact problem. Dealer checked it out and said everything looks fine. A mechanic friend said that one of the most common reasons for this is brake dust. He said hosing it out when washing the car sometimes works, but he said the best thing to do is use an air compressor and blow it out with the powerful air. I took off the wheel covers, drove to the gas station and used the compressor on all 4 wheels. No more squeeks or squeals!
     
    #1 azgringo, Sep 23, 2009
  2. a64pilot

    a64pilot Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2008
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    Location:
    Albany Ga.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    That will work for a while, be careful to not breathe the dust. It does NOT contain asbestos, but whatever it is , I don't think you should breathe it. The dust acts as a lubricant between the pads and the disk brake caliper piston, it's the vibration between these places that causes the noise. Still think the only real fix is either different compound pads or anti-squeal on the backside of the pads.
    Mine for some reason don't squeal, but my dash doesn't rattle, neither does my hatchback and my brakes don't do anything weird while backing up or on loose surfaces. I know these are REAL problems, not making light of them, just not all cars exhibit these behaviors for some reason. Hopefully I got a "good" one.
    On edit, usually softer compound pads don't squeal as bad, but they don't last as long either.
     
    #2 a64pilot, Sep 24, 2009
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