Disc Brake Squeal: An Overview

Understanding, reducing, eliminating and preventing brake squeal is a challenging task. It involves many design variables in a complex brake system and there are many harsh operational and environmental conditions under which squeal may occur. Much progress has been made on understanding brake squeal mechanisms and causes. Squeal simulation and analysis methods have been significantly advanced. The evaluation and testing technologies have been noticeably improved, and reduction remedies and prevention measures have become more mature. Brakes have become much quieter. However, the recurring occurrence of disc brake squeal indicates that there are still many challenges ahead and brake squeal is still an elusive quality issue. This overview provides the summary of some current developments and discusses remaining challenges along with future technologies. In addition it emphasizes the real world counter measures for squeal reduction, elimination and prevention.