* Worn brake pads: This is the most common cause. As the brake pads wear down, the metal backing plates can contact the rotor, causing a squealing noise. This is often accompanied by a grinding noise as well, and should be addressed immediately to prevent rotor damage.
* Contamination: Grease, oil, or other contaminants on the brake rotor or pads can cause squealing. This can happen from brake fluid leaks, or from using the wrong type of lubricant on other car parts.
* Worn rotors: Grooved or warped rotors can cause squealing, especially at higher speeds.
* Brake pad wear indicators: Many brake pads have small metal tabs that contact the rotor when the pads are nearly worn out. These tabs are designed to create a squealing sound as a warning.
* Caliper issues: A sticking or seized caliper can cause uneven brake pad wear, leading to squealing. A seized caliper will also often cause the brake to feel spongy or to drag.
* Loose parts: Something might be loose in the brake system, causing vibrations that lead to the noise.
To diagnose the problem, a mechanic would likely:
1. Inspect the brake pads: Check their thickness and condition for wear or contamination.
2. Inspect the rotors: Check for scoring, warping, or excessive wear.
3. Inspect the calipers: Check for sticking pistons or other issues.
4. Check for contamination: Look for grease or oil on the brake components.
If you're not comfortable working on brakes yourself (it's a safety-critical system!), take your Chrysler LHS to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair. Ignoring squeaking brakes is dangerous and can lead to brake failure.
