Stopping the brake squeal

Tip to pass on for stopping those squeaking brakes.

I am involved with several car mailing lists, including BMWs. And one of the most frequent questions I see posted is "How do I get my brakes to stop squealing?" And it doesn't seem to matter if they are very expensive brake pads or fairly inexpensive ones... a lot of people have this problem.

My solution has been to take a very rough sand-paper, 60 grit or better, and rough up the backing side (the side that goes up against the caliper). Then apply your choice of any Anti-Squeal compound.

Put the brake assembly back together... the wheel on... and VOILA! No more squeaky brakes.

I think the reason this works is because the metal on most new brake pads is very shinny (paint mostly) and therefore slippery.

So even if they are put on properly and with anti-squeal compound, they can still move and therefore vibrate (which causes the squealing). The grooves from the rough sanding give the pad and the compound something to "bite" into.
Hope this tidbit will be helpful...

TJ (BMW King)