{"id":4526,"date":"2022-03-01T13:12:54","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T13:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.design911.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4526"},"modified":"2025-06-18T10:36:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T09:36:55","slug":"how-to-fix-squealing-porsche-brake-squeal-and-what-causes-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.design911.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-fix-squealing-porsche-brake-squeal-and-what-causes-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to fix squealing Porsche brake squeal, and what causes it."},"content":{"rendered":"

Porsche brakes rank in the category of \u2018high-performance,\u2019 and for good reason. Since they are designed to be used under performance conditions, you could experience Porsche brake squeal for various reasons that we explore here.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it may be annoying, it is no cause for concern unless you feel you are losing stopping power or the noise persists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some vehicles roll off the factory floor with squealing brakes, often due to slight variations in harmonic frequencies. Suffice it to say that when these issues happen, manufacturers become aware and often offer solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to Porsche, customers can expect thoroughly tested brakes designed to perform under pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Porsche
Porsche 944, at Megaphonics 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Is Making That Noise?<\/b><\/h1>\n

For Porsche drivers, squealing could be as a result of factors such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Light braking and brake riding<\/b>– Some drivers may not know that having their foot on the brake pedal when they shouldn\u2019t be braking can leave small amounts of dust on the rotors. Coupled with the unnecessary friction, this can cause the dirt to stick to the rotor, creating a glazed surface that produces a squealing noise.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Worn-out friction material<\/b>– If the friction material on your brake has worn out, the plate may contact the brake rotor, causing that annoying, persistent squeal.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. A bad fit<\/b>– the brake may not fit snugly enough against the calliper piston, causing high-frequency vibrations between the brake rotor and pad.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Corrosion<\/b>– The raw steel rotors of your Porsche don\u2019t need to sit outside very long before they start oxidising and forming a thin layer of rust. As you back up or while driving after the car has been sitting out, you may hear a squeal.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Cold brakes<\/b>– Sometimes, when you take out your Porsche first thing in the morning, the cold brakes can squeal. Why? Given they are high-performance brakes, they are designed to perform in warm or even hot conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    So, what do you do if driving your Porsche like the engineers in Stuttgart meant for you to do doesn\u2019t make the noise go away?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Well, then you may have a problem. We call it brake glazing, which often happens when there is a buildup of material on the brakes, causing them to have a glossy finish. Much like the sounds of sneakers hitting and twisting on a basketball court, the glossy finish is what creates friction that leads to the high-pitched squeal. This buildup reduces the effectiveness of your brakes, making it essential to address the glazing before it affects performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Porsche<\/p>\n

    Solutions For Brake Squeal<\/b><\/h1>\n

    Let\u2019s start by discussing the fix most commonly applied to high-performance Porsche brakes: deglazing!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Deglazing<\/b><\/h3>\n

    How you deglaze Porsche brakes is a reiteration of how the high-performance brakes are meant to be used. First, find a road void of traffic, people, or cars. Then, identify a stretch of road where you can get up to 25 mph to 30mph.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Accelerate your Porsche to about 30-35mph and push the brake pedal hard. If you are in a car with ABS, it should help with the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    NOTE:<\/b> Do not try to do this in the rain or poor weather conditions. If you are unsure how to do this, consider asking a Porsche expert to do it for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The process should reintroduce roughness back to the rotors and make the brakes catch better without noise.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Porsche<\/p>\n

    The Copper Grease Myth Debunked<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Thanks to keen enthusiasts, mechanics, and advancements in brake lubrication, we call to attention previous advice that often recommended applying copper-based grease to the back of the brake pads to reduce squeal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    This practice is now considered outdated and potentially harmful. Why?<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to renowned brake manufacturers like TMD Friction and Ferodo, copper grease can react with steel and aluminum, causing corrosion and sticking at higher temperatures. It could also affect your ABS sensors, making them unreliable and introducing an avoidable element of risk to your driving.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ceramic- and silicon-based lubricants designed for brake systems are recommended by most experts for high-performance cars.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Suspension Alignment<\/b><\/h3>\n

    A brake squeal can also be a suspension alignment issue. If you drive on poorly maintained roads, hitting potholes, or scraping your wheels against curbs, your suspension components, especially the bushes, could become stressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Misaligned wheels often amplify the braking sound, making it more noticeable. A suspension realignment or replacement might be needed to fix the issue.<\/p>\n

    \"Porsche<\/p>\n

    Cleaning and Rust Removal<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Rust and debris on brake components can cause squealing. To fix this, use brake cleaner that\u2019s made to remove grease, rust, and dirt from the calipers, rotors, and pads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Lubricating Moving Parts<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Mechanical parts, and especially brakes, will wear out over time if they don\u2019t glide over each other or interact smoothly. Special brake lubricant can help keep the calliper pins, pad contact points, and other moving parts less noisy. Invest in high-quality lubricant designed for the job.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Resurfacing or Replacing Rotors<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Bent or uneven rotors can dig into other components and cause squealing. Depending on the damage, the problem can be fixed by resurfacing or replacing the rotors.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Long-time Porsche enthusiasts and experts will tell you that Porsche brakes benefit from proper use. Do not ride the brakes or start depressing the pedal long before you should to avoid squeaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Recommended Products For Addressing Porsche Brake Squeal<\/b><\/h1>\n

    For those looking for parts and products that help prevent brake squeal in a Porsche, here are some highly recommended products you can find on Design 911 to help:<\/span><\/p>\n