The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Squeak from front brakes 55.1 3600

I recently developed a squeak from the front brakes. It's a high pitch squeak or squeal that stops when brakes are applied and starts again. I first noticed it five miles into my ten mile drive home from work last week and its still there. I searched and learned it may be dust build up, shoes needing sanding or other things but i don't know what to look for. After some snow melts, I plan to take off drums to inspect and clean but would like to know if there is any tell tale signs to look for. Thanks, Brian

Brian does this happen all the time when no brakes are being applied? Or does it happen when turning? If yes to turning, does it happen in one or both directions? I had a 55 Olds that the previous owner repl aced every brake part on the front Brakes because they had a Squeak when turning Right but not left. I bought the Olds with the Squeak and found the that the Front Wheel had oblong hole for the lug nuts. You could never get the Wheel tight before the lug nuts bottomed out on the drum. Changed the wheel with the spare squeak gone. I would suggest jacking up the wheel that the sound is coming from and seeing if you can't locate it that way. Good Luck!

Best bet, like you said. Take a look. We can only speculate on what may or maynot be happening. You'll know what ups when you pull da drums. If nothing is apparent, then would be da time for trickery......

Brian Moore was right. When I took the hubcap off there was metal filings. I thought the holes were oblong so i took it to a local rim repair shop. They told me that they weren't oblong but rubbed raw from the wrong size lug nuts. I replaced my original split rims with ford econoline rims eight years ago and he told me ford has 9/16 studs and my truck has 1/2. So I got larger lug nuts and it solved the squeak problem. I will go around and change all the other lugs soon. Thank,Brain

Well I'll be! Sometimes these things are just crazy. Glad I could be of help!