Brakes squeaking, but stop when applied

Maintenance/Repairs
1

Hello! I have a 2007 Chevy HHR. A couple of weeks ago I had to change the caliper on the driver’s side of the car. I had some squeaking after, but bled the brakes and the squeaking went away. The other day I took the caliper off and painted it. I have custom wheels and you can see the caliper plainly, it was rusted so I painted it. Now I am getting the squeaking again, but it stops when I apply the brakes. I bled them again, but still the squeaking. This is driving me crazy. Could it be the “chirper” that is dragging on the rotor? Thanks for any advice and help.

Also I want to add, it squeaks until I get up to about 45 mph. Then it stops. And as I said, it stops when I apply the brakes.

2

Sorry, I also want to add that the pads are new as well. I changed them when I changed the caliper. Also greased everything, caliper pins, caliper piston, etc. Thanks again.

3

It’s probably the brand of brake pad you are using. Some are noisy, especially the parts store ‘house’ brands.

4

Replace brake pads with NAPA Adaptive one. Be sure no brake hardware is missing. Examine the rotors for marks indicating something is hitting the rotor like a shim from the brake pad or brake pad resting point.

5

Did you use new rotors or turn the old ones?

6

Since it stops when you apply the brakes, I’m going to suggest checking the wear indicators (the little metal feelers) for proper adjustment.

7

Did you apply brake grease to the back of the pads? That usually takes care of it.