LOW RISK
Common symptoms
- Squeal at low speed
- Squeal when cold/wet
- Braking still feels normal
Cost expectations
Typical costs vary by car and region. Use this as a ballpark.
- DIY / parts: £20–£80
- Garage / labour: £80–£250
Most likely causes (ranked)
Start at the top. Rule out the common, cheap causes before expensive ones.
- Pad material / glazing — Some pads squeal; glazing worsens it.
- Worn pads — Wear indicator can squeal as warning.
- Missing/incorrect shims — Anti-squeal shims/springs reduce noise.
- Disc lip/rust — Edges and rust can cause noise.
- Caliper slider pins dry — Pads don’t retract properly.
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
Fast checks you can do with basic tools before buying parts.
- Inspect pad thickness through wheel if possible.
- Listen if squeal disappears after a few stops (moisture).
- Check for uneven pad wear (slider issue).
- If brakes feel weak or pull, stop and inspect immediately.
- Use brake cleaner and check hardware seating.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- If pads are low, replace pads (and discs if worn).
- Lubricate slider pins with correct grease.
- If noise persists, consider different pad compound.