Brake Squeal, after track event Options

[srb7f]

So I finally made it to my first track event with the 914 last week. A driver's ed, with my dad and his Honda S2000. Anyhow, I had an absolute blast, but hit the brakes harder than usual.

The front brakes are now squealing just as I apply the brakes. It goes away with more firm pressure on the brakes. They still work fine, but the squeal is like nails on the chalkboard.

I took the wheels off quickly over the weekend, took the pads out (there's plenty left), cleaned the dust off, and put things back together with no improvement at all. Calipers bolts are nice and tight. I do have the 320i brakes on the car.

I did notice that the pistons seem to have spun around a bit in their bores. I don't have any of the metal shims like the 914 front calipers have, and frankly I'm not sure that I'm even supposed to. I've had these brakes on the car for years, without problems until now. Would this cause squealing?

I think this weekend I'll also check the play in the front bearings and tighten as needed. Would this cause it?

Is there anything else I should check or do? Also, if all of this fails, I know there's a bunch of anti-squeal sprays, pads, etc. Which of these (if any) actually work?

Thanks, in advance,


Steve

[Eric_Shea]

I did notice that the pistons seem to have spun around a bit in their bores.

Pretty much impossible for them to spin but, being placed improperly can cause this. Without the piston notch (read: 914 rears) the pads used to be beveled. This is why we're stuck with two pin diameters on a 914 rear.

Best to have the notches in the proper location so the pad meets the rotors at the proper angle.

I think this weekend I'll also check the play in the front bearings and tighten as needed. Would this cause it?

It can.

Basics: Organic pads can squeal but they stop better than metallics. You could have glazed them at the track. Make sure your bearings are tight, pistons are right and all of the pins allow the pads to move freely.