Squeak when accelerating slowly and braking

[Emilywho]

Hi

Very recently I have noticed a slight squeak first when braking from a slow speed - for example when I'm parking up - then realised it was also ever so slightly the same squeak when I accelerate from standing - when I've reversed to straighten up when parking for example. It also doesn't happen all the time. Noticed first on Saturday but since then been fine until today.

I thought it was the brakes at first (though they are only a year and a half old and done 10,000 miles) but after noticing it at acceleration, does anyone know what it could be?

I have a long journey planned in a few days time, does it sound like an urgent problem or one that may wait 350 miles?

Many thanks!

[paintman]

Perhaps you would like to tell us what car it is?
Make, model, year, engine etc.

[CS Garth]

Wooden leg need some WD-40?

[GreenV8S]

The only potential problem is that you might find the noise irritating after a while. Otherwise, it's nothing to be concerned about.

[Emilywho]

It's a Ford Fiesta Titanium 2013, 59,000 miles

Just had another run out, it's not every time I brake, sometimes as I'm coming to a junction etc.
Nothing when accelerating this time.
It sounds like a bird tweeting(!)

[Pica-Pica]

Brake pads in slight contact with disc. Jack car up, having pressed footbrake. Spin the suspect wheel and listen. Before this, get someone to listen as you (almost) run their head over - repeat when driving off.

[Emilywho]

Pica-Pica said:

Brake pads in slight contact with disc. Jack car up, having pressed footbrake. Spin the suspect wheel and listen. Before this, get someone to listen as you (almost) run their head over - repeat when driving off.

Will this be safe for a long journey on Friday do you think? Work shifts over the next couple of days mean I can't get to a garage before.

[GreenV8S]

Emilywho said:

Will this be safe for a long journey on Friday do you think?

It'll be absolutely fine, and not IMO worth bother a garage over unless the noise irritates you. It's almost certainly just the pad rubbing on the disk which is perfectly normal, and might start or stop making noises for no obvious reason just based on things getting dirty, corroded, hot, cold etc. It might easily go away if you ignore it for a while. If it annoys you, mention it next time the car is in for a service.

[GreenDog]

Had similar recently and in a previous car, it was the driver's seat springs.

[Emilywho]

Thanks for the replies.

Today I've noticed it now when driving forward slowly, not touching the brakes at all.

I don't want to bother a mechanic if it's normal/can wait. Still pads touching the disc?

[GreenV8S]

Emilywho said:

Still pads touching the disc?

Yes. Pads (almost) always touch the disc - they don't always squeak as a result.

(If they aren't touching the discs this is a problem known as pad knock-back which will stop the brakes working properly.)

[G.Fraser]

Please excuse the possible thread hijack, but I just popped into this forum to post a query on the same subject! I have an incredibly irritating squeak from the N/S front corner, tiny bird like squeaks (like the OP reports) as I drive over bumps. The squeaks are a bit more drawn out at slower speeds when manouvering in car parks. I’ve definitely located the noise source as the brake after I initially suspected a bush or something.

Any advice on how to get rid of the squeak? Is it possible to file or sand a pad to fix this kind of noise? The pads and discs are only 6 months or so old. If it makes any difference the pads and discs were fitted at the same time as an Alcon big brake kit.

Apologies again if this is hijacking a thread, happy to start a new thread of need be

[stevieturbo]

Probably is braking related, but most likely nothing to worry about if you're getting it serviced soon anyway. Obviously tell them about your concerns at the time though, as some garages think a service is washing the vehicle.