Another solution for squeaking brakes?

[David Flushing]

Has anyone dealt with or has any knowledge of this interesting brake performance improvement product? Is it a gimmick or a real solution? The site information sure sounds convincing and the price seems reasonable. I'm ready to try almost anything to silence my squeaky C3 brakes. Disk backer pads and brake grease are short-lived fixes.

Please check it out and give me your opinion, or better yet, share with us if you know of or have had any experience with these "Brake Savers." Web site address is:

http://www.flatlinersbs.com

Thanks.

[Craig S.]

Re: Another solution for squeaking brakes?

David - well, to me it looks like a gimmick. I would not place any spacer between the rotor and the flange. Normally, these are riveted (granted, back rotors are often drilled out). But the flange and rotor are trued as a unit, this liner could cause lateral runout issues. I have never had issues with vette brakes squealing using genuine GM pads, but more aggressive aftermarket pads can cause squeaks. Also, make sure your rotors don't have a glaze, if they do, you should break the glase with an abrasive material, I believe you can buy a rotary scuffing pad for a drill that will do a good job lightly scuffing the rotors. I have never had any squeals even with very smooth rotor surfaces, again, always GM pads....Craig

[John H.]

Re: Another solution for squeaking brakes?

Looks like another "miracle" snake-oil product to me - surprised the site doesn't say "As Seen On TV", but maybe they can't afford an infomercial that would tag along with the one for the "Tornado Fuel-Saver" or the "Veg-O-Matic"

[Doug Flaten]

Re: Another solution for squeaking brakes?

I can't see how it would help. I do not think brake squealing is caused by a resonance of the weel or hub, so isolating them with a gasket does not seem to address the cause. Depending how thick the gasket is, it would push the rotor outboard and the result would be that the rotor may not be centered in the caliper. As far as the Wheel Savers aiding in the removal of the wheel, my experience has been that the wheel is not stuck to the flange, but rather they get stuck on the center hub because of dirt and corrosion.

[Joe C.]

Wanna Buy Some Snake Oil?

Save your money!!

[David Flushing]

Good ole common sense prevails!

Thanks!

Careful with that snake oil comment Joe 32899 - Ssnake-Oyl is an advertiser in the NCRS Driveline (seat belts).

I guess the vote is unanimous for good ole common sense. I'm taking your collective advice and deglazing the discs (even though they look fine to me) and replacing the pads with genuine GM. The existing are new, but the previous owner installed them so I cannot tell what brand they are. Undoubtedly semi-metallic.

I'm also replacing the pad retainer pins; somehow I think they are involved as when I put a spot of brake greasy on them (when they touch the pad backing) things get quiet for a day or so.

I'll let you know it this solves the problem.
Thanks again - this is what makes this board so valuable!

[Joe C.]

Re: Good ole common sense prevails!

Dave:

If you didn't like the ssssnake oyl, then there's a bridge I'd like to sell you!Seriously, I am refreshed by your sense of humor. God knows, I have made my share of foolish purchases over the years--but we're all still learning.

I think that if your rotors are within spec (max. .005" runout), and your pads are not glazed, then you should have no brake squeal. Be sure to scuff your rotors thoroughly with emery, and coat the backing plates of your pads with anti-squeak compound before installation.
Good luck.

Joe