GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Or Rear Brake Squeal On Slow Stops - keywords disc front groan noise rear squeak

Subject:Front or Rear Brake Squeal On Slow Stop

Models:2005-2006 Chevrolet Corvette



This PI was superseded to update part number(s). Please discard PIC3320C.


The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

Some customers may comment that when they apply the brakes, the vehicle exhibits a squeal noise. This squeal noise may be heard coming from the front or rear brakes and typically heard during slow stops. Replacing the pads will only correct the concern for a short time until the pads glaze over again. Burnishing the pads will also provide temporary relief. Refer to SI document 707744 for the burnishing procedure. For the 2007 model year Corvette, the brake systems on the Z51 was improved to include a High Compression pad material. This new material will prevent brake squeal however increase brake dust. Installing these pads on 2005-2006 Corvettes with and with out Z51 can be done as an upgrade to prevent brake squeal. The cost of this upgrade is assumed by the customer not General Motors.

Below is the information from bulletin 00-05-22-002J in reference to "Brake Noise".

BRAKE NOISE

Some brake noise is normal and differences in loading, type of driving, or driving style can make a difference in brake wear on the same make and model. Depending on weather conditions, driving patterns and the local environment, brake noise may become more or less apparent. Verify all metal-to-metal contact areas between pads, pad guides, caliper and knuckles are clean and lubricated with a thin layer of high temperature silicone grease. Brake noise is caused by a "slip-stick" vibration of brake components. While intermittent brake noise may be normal, performing 3 - 4 aggressive stops may temporarily reduce or eliminate most brake squeal. If the noise persists, a brake dampening compound may be applied to the back of each pad. This allows parts to slide freely and not vibrate when moving relative to each other. Use Silicone Brake Lubricant, ACDelco P/N 88862182 (Canadian P/N 88862496) or equivalent.

The following noises are characteristics of all braking systems and are unavoidable. They may not indicate improper operation of the brake system.

Squeak / Squeal Noise:

    • Occurs with front semi-metallic brake pads at medium speeds when light to medium pressure is applied to the brake pedal.
    • Occasionally a noise may occur on rear brakes during the first few stops or with cold brakes and/or high humidity.

Grinding Noise:

    • Common to rear brakes and some front disc brakes during initial stops after the vehicle has been parked overnight.
    •  Caused by corrosion on the metal surfaces during vehicle non-use. Usually disappears after a few stops.

Groan Noise:

A groan type noise may be heard when stopping quickly or moving forward slowly from a complete stop. This is normal. On vehicles equipped with ABS, a groan or moan type noise during hard braking applications or loose gravel, wet or icy road conditions is a normal function of the ABS activation.

Recommendation/Instructions:

To correct brake squeal on 2005-2006 Corvettes, replace the brake pads with the part numbers below. When customers upgrade to this newer pad, they must be installed in complete front and rear sets. They should not be mixed with the older style pads. Please note the trade-offs below when upgrading to these pads on 2005-2006 Corvettes. Again, this is considered an upgrade and the cost is assumed by the customer not General Motors.

19152862

Front Pads

89026853

Rear Pads

Note: When these pads are installed on 2005-2006 Corvettes not equipped with the Z51 brakes system, the brake will be more aggressive and will create more brake dust. On Corvettes equipped with the Z51 brake system, they will increase brake dust only.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.