Clean the brake rotors and pads with brake cleaner
Remove the wheels and inspect pads and rotors for glazing, uneven wear, or contamination
Replace brake pads if they are worn past the manufacturer’s minimum thickness
Replace rotors if they are deeply scored, heavily rusted, or warped beyond spec
Remove surface rust from rotors with fine abrasive (if light rust only)
Check for pad glazing and scuff the pad surface lightly if reusing pads (only if within spec)
Inspect brake hardware (pins, clips, shims, anti-rattle springs) and replace worn or missing parts
Clean and lubricate the pad abutment points with high-temperature brake grease
Apply brake grease only to the contact points specified by the pad manufacturer (not to friction material)
Verify the caliper slides move freely; clean and service or replace seized slide components
Tighten all caliper bracket and caliper mounting bolts to the specified torque
Ensure the pads are installed in the correct orientation and match the rotor type (if applicable)
Check for debris or foreign material between the pad and rotor; remove carefully
If the squeal is intermittent, check rotor/pad alignment and rotor thickness variation
Bed in new pads/rotors according to the manufacturer’s procedure
If squeal persists after replacement and proper bedding, try a different pad compound (e.g., ceramic vs semi-metallic)
Have a brake shop measure rotor thickness variation and check caliper alignment if needed