124 Spider (2016+) Squeaky brakes

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124 Spider (2016+) Squeaky brakes

Reddog48

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2017 spider, 5 weeks after purchase brakes front squeaking as we back- up out of our garage..no other time been to dealership they have no clue...anyone else have this problem?
 
2017 spider, 5 weeks after purchase brakes front squeaking as we back- up out of our garage..no other time been to dealership they have no clue...anyone else have this problem?


Ok, had the same issue on my brand new 2017 Fiat Spider 124 Abarth.
Stopped by my dealer this morning and they offered a reasonable explanation:
  • It can happen on all car types, from Toyota's to Maserati's.
  • Related to moisture/condensation build-up overnight in garage
  • The next morning as you back-up in reverse, the pads are squeaking when the dust/rust surface if being worn off in first few rotations.
  • This effect is worse in humid climates...AKA thank you Houston for being "The Swamp"!
  • Remedy is to dry out your garage, move to Phoenix, or they could take the pads and try to burn off some of the rough surface, however this would shorten the brake life.
  • Conclusion: LIVE WITH IT or move! (Actually, MN sounds good to me!)
Excerpt from:
https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/4-Common-Brake-Squeaks


Disc Brakes Squeak After Car Sits Overnight


Most brakes squeak after sitting overnight. This is usually due to moisture from rain, dew, or condensation that collects on the surface of the rotors.
When moisture collects on the brake rotors, it causes a thin layer of rust to form on the rotor surface. As the rotor turns, the pads scrape the rust off the rotors, and then the rust gets caught on the leading edge of the brake pad. These fine particles of rust then get embedded into the leading edge of the pad and cause a squeak.


The only way to prevent this type of squeak is to garage your vehicle or store it in a climate-controlled environment. Rust on the rotors can also cause pad impressions on rotors, which in turn, cause a thumping noise or brake pulsation.
 
Why, then, do all cars not suffer in the same way?

My 124 is squeaking after 5 days of ownership. Either that or I could be hitting the horn by accident as I reverse. The sound is quite similar!!!

All is forgiven as soon as I engage first and burble away down the road :)
 
Update from me. I've started reversing into my drive and when I drive out forwards (still needing to apply the brakes as I enter the road) no squeaking. So it's possible that I'm only seeing the issue when reversing. Is that the same for others?
 
It's entirely possible as the pad alignment/geometry in relation to the disc is completely different depending on rotation of the wheel.

Squeaking can be coming from one of two places, either between the disc and pad, or between the pad and brake piston. The pads are totally free floating and vibration together with grit/oxidation/whatever can cause resonance hence the squeaking at certain speed and/or direction.

If it is between the pads and the disc the only option is to try different pad/disc combination. Modern pads without asbestos are noisier than they used to be. If it is between the pad and brake piston you can try a small amount of high temp grease/anti seize compound on the back of the pad (not the braking surface obvs).You can get thin steel/teflon shim plates to stop the resonance but experience of changing pads on modern cars is that there is little room to spare until the pads are worn in.

One thing is for sure, as long as there is plenty of pad left, noisy brakes stop the car just as effectively as quiet ones (although I don't think totally quiet brakes exist)
 
500’s do the same, brakes squeak if you use them when reversing, there appears to be no solution and is now pretty much accepted as a feature!
 
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