Why are my brakes squeaking or squealing?
A brake squeal is usually the wear indicator doing its job — a small metal tab that sings out when the pads are getting low. It can also be brake dust, glazed pads, or light surface rust after rain. It's a 'get it checked soon', not a 'stop now' — but don't leave it until it turns into a grind.
The most common causes
A built-in metal tab is designed to squeal when the pads get low, to tell you it's time. The usual cause.
Constant squealLight rust after rain, or built-up dust, can squeal for the first few stops then clear.
Clears after a few stopsOverheated or low-quality pads glaze over and squeal; better pads and a clean-up fix it.
Worn shims or dry caliper slides let the pad vibrate and squeal.
A sticking caliper or a stone caught in the brake can squeal — worth a look if it's getting worse.
Getting louderWhat it costs in Sydney
| Brake repair (pads & rotors, photographed) | from $220 |
| Mobile brake check (if unsure) | $129 |
Get your brakes sorted — at your place.
Pads, rotors and fluid done right, every worn part photographed before you pay.
Common questions
Not usually. A squeal is the wear indicator telling you the pads are getting low — your brakes still work, but it's time to get them checked before they grind.
A squeal means the pads are low; a grind means they're gone and it's metal-on-metal. Squealing is 'soon', grinding is 'now'.
Yes — pads, rotors and fluid, all in your driveway, with every worn part photographed before you pay.