The reason for the beeping
Years ago, carts rolled through city streets with creaking, unlubricated axles. The noise came from wheel hubs that occasionally welded themselves to the axle and then suddenly separated, creating a loud, unpleasant creak.
The same thing happens today in cars, when brake pads stick briefly to the disc or drum during braking and then release. This momentary sticking can produce squeaks or rattles that catch the driver’s attention.
Fighting Methods
Back in the day, carts needed regular lubrication to quiet their squeaks. In cars, lubrication of braking surfaces is not an option because it would compromise braking effectiveness. The goal is to keep the pads from oscillating freely. In practice, brake manufacturers use several strategies.
Some pads include metal anti-cracking pads on non-working surfaces, and chamfers are placed on the working surfaces. Reducing the effective contact area helps shift the natural resonant frequency of vibrations away from audible ranges.
Another approach is to add slots to the working surfaces of the pads. To dampen vibrations, a plate can be mounted behind the pad, supported by legs. In other designs, several brackets serve the same dampening purpose.
Many brake pads incorporate acoustic wear indicators, which emit a loud squeal when the pads wear down to signal replacement is due.
On front brake pads for rear-wheel-drive VAZ models, it is structurally difficult to install wear-beep indicators. To protect the discs, it is often wiser to replace the pads proactively with reliable and affordable products available under the Za Rulem brand.
All in due time
Worn pads can still squeak, but delaying replacement is risky. Worn pads lose braking effectiveness and can cause pistons to extend too far from the cylinders. It is better to replace pads before they reach their limit so they remain quiet and effective.
Brake pads designed for the VAZ-2108 family can suit many modern front-wheel-drive vehicles from AvtoVAZ to the Lada Granta. For cars equipped with ABS and ventilated discs, affordable, durable, non-cracking pads from the Za Rulem line provide a practical option.
Matter of choice
Sanctions and parts shortages have made choosing brake pads more challenging. The market has seen a rise in counterfeit products branded under familiar names. It is common for foreign brands to have withdrawn from the Russian market, limiting deliveries.
Shoppers may encounter inexpensive noname pads that imitate premium brands. These can produce more noise due to friction materials containing excessive iron shavings, brake more aggressively, wear discs faster, and run hotter, ultimately compromising safety.
For rear-wheel-drive VAZ cars, the Behind the Wheel rear brake pads offer solid performance with a strong bond between the liner and base and precise dimensions.
Driving advice
When replacing brake pads, it is sensible to favor products from domestic manufacturers. In particular, pads labeled Behind the Wheel have emerged as a reliable, cost-effective option that delivers consistent performance.