[Healeys] Squealy Brakes

[m.g.sharp at sympatico.ca]

Hi all,  I have had intermittent squealy brakes on my BT7 the last year or
so.  I got it out of hibernation a week ago and the squealing is worse, it
seems.  I don't mind heads turning when I pull up at a light, but not
because it sounds like I just ran over a cat.

 

I put new pads in a few years back and installed the anti-squeal shims, but
they did not work.   Today I pulled out the pads, tossed the shims and
lightly rubbed the pads on a sheet of #120 emery on a plate of glass, just
to take the sheen of the friction side and ensure the backs were flat.  I
took a file and gently broke the leading and trailing edges of the friction
material, as the edges were quite sharp and though one could be catching.  I
then cleaned the pads with brake part cleaner.   I also lightly used emery
on the disks to remove any glaze.   I had gone to my local auto parts
supplier to see if  they had any anti-squeal shims but they don't sell them
separately from the pads.  However, they highly recommended a Permatex
product with the promising name "Disc Brake Quiet" [sic].   This I applied
per the instructions, spraying it on the back of the pads.  I blew the dust
out of the calipers and, as best I could, checked the pistons for
irregularities where they bear on the pads.  The calipers were re-built
about 5 years ago with stainless pistons and they looked as new.  Retaining
pins were cleaned and very lightly greased.  I re-assembled everything and
went  out for a test drive.

 

The results were staggering in that there was no difference whatsoever.

 

So folks - any good ideas out there?  I am wondering if should switch out
the pads, but mine are barely worn and I am not sure I have record of what I
put in, so may end up with the same make.  Other than that, I am flummoxed.

 

All suggestions welcome.

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