Squealing rear brakes

[Jon Jeffryes]

As preparation for the recent Euro trip, I fitted a set of new discs and pads on the rear (The fronts were changed a month prior) The only disc/pad set available at the time were Eicher brand (it was late on a Saturday p.m.).

Fitting was straight forward - I changed the handbrake shoes and used new fitting kits and anti squeal compounds plus rebuilt the rear callipers at the same time. I also completely bled the brake and clutch hydraulics at the same time.

I carefully run the brakes in and then took off for a 2200 mile tour of Europe. That's when the problem started with rear brake squeal. It's fine for the first 20 or so miles but from then on, the rear brakes squeal dreadfully. I've had them apart more times than I care to remember since returning and tried everything I know plus numerous different anti-squeal potions to try and improve the situation with out success.

The handbrake shoes have been set up, re-set up and then readjusted several times to ensure the noise is not from there (it's not) so I've put the problem down to disc pad compound (too much metallic content in the pad make up?).

So today I've bitten the bullet and bought a new set of Pagid pads which have built in anti-squeal pads and a slightly softer compound which I hope will possibly vanquish the dreaded squeal.

Hopefully this will work. Fingers crossed.

Jon

 

[andyglym]

As preparation for the recent Euro trip, I fitted a set of new discs and pads on the rear (The fronts were changed a month prior) The only disc/pad set available at the time were Eicher brand (it was late on a Saturday p.m.).

Fitting was straight forward - I changed the handbrake shoes and used new fitting kits and anti squeal compounds plus rebuilt the rear callipers at the same time. I also completely bled the brake and clutch hydraulics at the same time.

I carefully run the brakes in and then took off for a 2200 mile tour of Europe. That's when the problem started with rear brake squeal. It's fine for the first 20 or so miles but from then on, the rear brakes squeal dreadfully. I've had them apart more times than I care to remember since returning and tried everything I know plus numerous different anti-squeal potions to try and improve the situation with out success.

The handbrake shoes have been set up, re-set up and then readjusted several times to ensure the noise is not from there (it's not) so I've put the problem down to disc pad compound (too much metallic content in the pad make up?).

So today I've bitten the bullet and bought a new set of Pagid pads which have built in anti-squeal pads and a slightly softer compound which I hope will possibly vanquish the dreaded squeal.

Hopefully this will work. Fingers crossed.

Jon

That's not good Jon. Hope you get it resolved.

 

[t-tony]

new set of Pagid pads

Did you buy your parts from Euro Car Parts? If so ditch the Eicher crap and fit the Pagid coated discs and pads.

Tony.

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

That's not good Jon. Hope you get it resolved.

It's driven me mad and spoilt the enjoyment of the car Andy...hopefully i will get it fixed ready for Sunday's south coast run!

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

Did you buy your parts from Euro Car Parts? If so ditch the Eicher crap and fit the Pagid coated discs and pads.

Tony.

Yep, good old Eurocarparts...i'm 50% of the way there with the Pads...I think I'll pop back and buy Pagid discs tomorrow and do the job properly this time Tony

 

[t-tony]

do the job properly

I can only speak as I find Jon. I fitted Pagid discs and pads all round on my car + H/B shoes and I've not had a hint of a problem from them. In the past we've fitted Eicher parts at work and to say they're poor quality would be an understatement. Having said that, the price may reflect the true quality? This is the level of parts which motor dealers use, which in fairness helps them make a living.

Tony.

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

I can only speak as I find Jon. I fitted Pagid discs and pads all round on my car + H/B shoes and I've not had a hint of a problem from them. In the past we've fitted Eicher parts at work and to say they're poor quality would be an understatement. Having said that, the price may reflect the true quality? This is the level of parts which motor dealers use, which in fairness helps them make a living.

Tony.

agreed Tony,

I only used them as they were oos on Pagid...really wish that I hadn't now! Fitting the replacements tomorrow so hopefully I should see (or hear) an immediate improvement.

Jon

 

[t-tony]

Good luck with the replacements Jon, I did notice at a visit to my local Andrew Page outlet last week that they are now offering coated Mintex discs now. I think these will be on a par with the Pagid items.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

No squealing from Pagid (or Mintex) on either of my Z3's.

 

[t-tony]

Andrew Page are now offering Mintex discs in coated form like the Pagid ones.

Tony.

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

Thanks for the support guys...and the good news is a switch to Padgid has resolved the issue....we now have a squeal free zone.The problem lies with the pads which were slightly larger than the diameter of the disc! Very poor quality....

I also replaced the dipstick lower O ring as i have been suffering from the dreaded P0171 and P0174 lean codes. I had already replaced all of the inlet trunking, vacuum pipes and Disa and throttle body seals so this was the last gasp effort.....and it worked but my goodness what a PITA of a job. I eventually resorted to fitting the tube from above in the engine bay, but had to jack up the car (properly supported) and fit the retaing bolt from below.....two hours to fit one O ring!!

Thankfully the fix has worked and after a 90 mile shakedown run we are code free. Both short term and long term fuel trims are now bang on and the car is finally running superbly. final engine activity will be to replace the Vanos seals, that will have to wait until after Sunday's sourh coast run.

 

[Lee]

This is a new one on my regarding this engine code. @GazHyde

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

This is a new one on my regarding this engine code. @GazHyde

Both relate to lean readings for bank 1 and bank 2. Short term fuel trims were +25% due to the un-metered air entering via the dipstick ( failed bottom 'O' ring)...because it is such a wiggle to get it in the correct position.

View attachment 21132 View attachment 21132 I damaged the first new replacement and then the second...could have carried on a long time until I discovered that the bottom of the dipstick tube had a sharp edge that was causing the damage. I smoothed off the sharp edge with the trusty Dremel and finally have a vacuum leak free car

 

[Brian H]

^^great info Jon. Well done for persevering.

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

^^great info Jon. Well done for persevering.

Thanks Brian,

I'm now into the jobs i want to do....rather than those I have to do territory at last....once all the mechanicals are complete it'll be time for the bodywork tidy-up...by next season it should be on the button.

 

[Brian H]

I have a bit of body work to attend to also, my near side rear arch has a few wee bubbles starting to show. No complaints though our cars are getting on in years now.

 

[Jon Jeffryes]

I have a bit of body work to attend to also, my near side rear arch has a few wee bubbles starting to show. No complaints though our cars are getting on in years now.

I have the usual lumps and bumps (Tesco rash) plus some work on the sill covers. biggest issue is paint crazing on the rear 'bumper' where the car has evidently run for a long time with the oil separator and over rich mixture due to the vacuum leaks contaminating the paint.

The fact these issues have gone on for some extended time is a little concerning as the car has 'enjoyed' a full main dealer service history!

 

[GazHyde]

Main dealers will only cover the paint for so long though unless you keep taking out their warranties. I think most Zeds are in pretty good condition paint wise considering their ages now.

 

[Brian H]

Main dealers will only cover the paint for so long though unless you keep taking out their warranties. I think most Zeds are in pretty good condition paint wise considering their ages now.

I don't disagree Gary, but I bet in the next year or so we will see a trend of rust treatment and prevention posts.

 

[GazHyde]

I don't disagree Gary, but I bet in the next year or so we will see a trend of rust treatment and prevention posts.

Certainly now the youngest are 13, i know the sills on mine are starting to bubble, I try not to look to closely if I'm honest