Well... for some unknown reason my F150 started sqeaking yesterday. It only lasted like 10 seconds, while I was driving slow.

So I thought nothing of it, until it did it again today, but worse.

I didn't have anything else going on this afternoon, so I swung by the dealer. I asked if one of the techs could go out with me and one of them did. Well, it squeaked more and more... this time, it squeaks all the time. However, it is only when the brakes have warmed up from a couple of stops. The tech got out of the truck, and he had me roll the truck slowly, while it squeaked, and found out that it was the left front brake. So I scheduled an appointment for next Friday at 12:00 pm.

I decided, since I didn't have anything else to do with my life, I decided to take a good look at the brake. I took the wheel off, and I peered around... nothing looked out of whack, as far as broke. So that's a +1. I did however notice that it seems as if the brakes are not bedded correctly... or some kind of weird wear is happening. But I am not getting any shimmy in the brake pedal. So I said, "Screw it..." and I put the wheel back on... I'll let the dealer take care of it.

I'm thinking it could be because I don't use my brakes enough? Or is it because the pads are not glazed properly?

I've never done a hard stop in the truck since I've had it. It's always been gradual braking... and I mean I lightly press on the pedal to stop the truck. Would that have anything to do with it?

Maybe there is dirt in there? I'm confused... there shouldn't be any noises! :o

 

Ok here goes:
1. Take off caliper and remove brake pads
2. inspect pads for abnormal wear and any debris on the pad. also for gouges in rotor. Then clean rotor with brake cleaner because that will not leave a residue like simple green or something like that will do.
3. If everything checks out ok, then grab some brake grease and slap some on the back of the pad and all wear points between the caliper and pads.
4. Reinstall pads and everything else and torque to spec.
5. Go drive it and see if it squeaks.
6. If it does, you have ruled out that it was the contacting surfaces squeaking and not the pad surface or any debris on the pad surface.
7. If that does not fix it, go invest in some good quality pads like Carquest Blues. Low brake dust and zero squeaking. Plus you can't beat less than $100 all around the truck

 

Well... I'm not going to diagnose it and potentially fix it for a cost when it can be done under warranty.

Now if I was out of warranty... It would've been fixed/diagnosed (at least) by the time I asked this question... all by me.

But thanks for the suggestions...

 

Until the dealer tells you that brake pads are not covered under warranty. Then you will end up buying new pads anyway and having to either A... Replace them yourself, or B.... have the dealer do it and pay them $200 to do a 20 min brake job. Personally, if it were me, which it was a few years ago, I would go buy the new pads and bring them to the dealer with your truck. Tell the service manager, while they have the wheels off and the brake pads off to do the inspection, to put your pads on it. This will solve 2 problems at once. Well, actually 3.....It will get rid of your squeal, It will get rid of your brake dust that is common on all F-150's with stock pads, and you will get new pads installed for free! Just make sure your dealership gives you the stock pads that they removed for proof of change. If your dealer is anything like mine is, they will do this with no problems. Good Luck!