Thread: Defender Brakes...whats it mean

How much brake pad material left on the pads?

Good question, and i have no idea...

They can be the disk pads are to hard (bad quality), dirt in them or not enough material left on the pads.
How is the surface on the disks?

will have a check later

Ive got the same problem only it started when new rear pads were installed so I trust it is dirt. I'll take a look at the disks as well.

I'm pretty sure what happens with mine is:

• They squeal for the first one or two applications in the morning. I live within sight of the sea, so I just assumed it was a very light film of rust. Everything else rusts if it is left outside or in the carport.
• If I stay on sealed roads, they don't squeal again.
• If I drive on a dirt road for some distance without touching the brakes, they then squeal when I eventually use them.
• If I keep using them regularly on a dirt road, they stop squealing or else just do it briefly when first applied.

My interpretation of all this is that a thin film of rust or dust will make them squeal until the film is polished off.
That is just my impression. I haven't done any sort of scientific test to be sure that is what is happening.

The squeal occures due to a reaction between the brake caliper piston and the back plate of the lining. The resulting squeal can be stopped by applying an "anti disc brake squeal" product available from any automotive outlet. This application is applied to the surface adjacent to the caliper piston back and the back of the lining. The squeal will cease.
Cheers