My two front tires are squealing and only stop when the car stops, is it the brake pads? why do they squeal?

Question

i just bought a new set of tires for my car, 205 60r15, and now the two front tires are squealing. the squealing comes and goes, i hear it when im on the highway and when im driving in parking lots. sometimes, i dont hear it. whats causing the squealing noise? should i be concerned? is something rubbing against something that it shouldnt be rubbing up against?

the only thing i can think is that the brake pads need to be replaced, but i dont see how that would stop a squealing that happens even when im not braking

Answer 1

Did you replace the tires with the same size that came off? If so, that should rule out rubbing of any sort.

Did the tire shop do any sort of alignment with the tire install?

I would get the brakes checked. Pads usually have a wear indicator which is a little metal finger that contacts the rotor when the pad material is worn down. It will emit a squealing noise like you described and not necessarily only when the brakes are applied.

Answer 2

this is the brake pad wear indicators telling you that your brakes are in need of an urgent overhaul.Do it NOW or you may not hear them the next time!

Answer 3

Hi, it is possible that the "tracking" of the front wheels is out of alignment, on most cars the front wheels are parallel to each other, and if you are getting tire noise it means that they are out of kilter.

This can be checked and adjusted at most tire shops without costing a fortune!

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Cheap tires or front end alignment.

Answer 5

it is the brakes....most likely. they have little metal tabs attached to them called wear indicators once the pads are worn down far enough these tabs come in contact with your brake rotors they are designed to make a horrendous squealing sound until you replace the brake pads.

They can do this because your brake pads touch the rotors at all times. when you press brake petal you put pressure on the pads, when you release petal it lets the pressure off this doesn't mean the the pads retract from the rotor just that they aren't being pressed against rotor.

here is an example. place a penny flat on your desk and push it around with your finger, easy right? now place your thumb on penny and press down as hard as you can and try to slide penny around while pressing down on it. this is how your brakes work. they touch all the time but only create resistance when under pressure.