Horrible Break Squeal

So I've been researching this problem and found a few answers but none that seem to desk with the squeal I'm dealing with. I know there's a TSB for brakes that squeal while backing up, but mine don't do it then. It's just when I'm braking and it is miserable. I turn heads with how loud it is.
Do they just need a good cleaning or do I need something more done to them. Both front and rear brakes have plenty life left on them so it shouldn't be new pads.
Anyway all help is appreciated. Just want to save my eardrums.

 

How long has it been happening? Did it just occur suddenly?

Has anyone done any work on the brakes recently?

I would recommend taking the wheels off and inspect the brake calipers & such. If you have to...take the caliper off also and look for anything unusual. Score marks....metal things where they shouldn't be...etc.

 

I'll have to inspect them this weekend. But it's been going on for a while but getting worse I feel like. Can't be 100% on that but I know it's been going on for a while. No brake work has been done recently. Last time anything was done was a tire rotation and inspection done by my local dealer. That was probably 2-3 months ago

 

How old are the brake pads? Are they original OEM from when it was new? If yes...they're probably due to be changed.

 

No they're not original. They've been changed a couple times. But off the top of my head I can't say how old the pads are.

 

Have you tried blasting the calipers with a good pressure hose?

 

Along the same lines as what Boogie mentioned....

It's a long shot but worth a try.

Go in reverse and step on the brakes.
This is to try and dislodge any rocks stuck in your calipers.

 

I'll give those suggestions a try this weekend and hope something works. I really appreciate your help. If any one else has suggestions I welcome them and I'll see what works!

 

Not that hard to remove a tire......

 

I know it's not. But I've got classes all week, a 7 month old girl to help watch, and time to spend with my wife. Taking some tires off isn't first on my list.

 

I'd lay money you have gravel/build up. Go to car wash, chock wheels left, spray, chock wheels right, spray. Pay attention to rear shields, I had lots of built up crud there. Mines a 13 and it was thick.

We sand the roads here and in spring it's caked on the backside, the shields. Between the road sand and local red rock, it builds up. I take mine a couple of times a year through rig car wash, they have a pit that sprays undercarriage

 

Family mod and picnic day!

 

This. Priceless. I'll have to see about convincing my wife on this one. Haha.

As for power washing out, I've tried to get in there a couple times, probably could have done a little better, but after washing it was still noisy. Like I said I'm gonna take the wheels off and check just needed the time. I do appreciate the helpful responses

 

My 2013 started having brake squeal after we took it storm chasing and drove it particularly hard. The brakes all check out, nothing obvious anyways, and it's continued to do it for the past 6 months when I come off highway speeds to a stop or when Im in reverse. The brakes being cold seem to make it act up the most. The dealer hasn't been helpful so at this point I've just chalked it up to yet another weird noise my truck makes and crank the stereo a little louder.

 

Is brake cleaner recommended? I know it can damage some parts of the brake supposedly. So what's the best way to spray it on the front discs without removing the pads, or is it just better to remove the pads?

 

Is having a crack in the pad a bad thing? Or is this nothing to worry about?

 

The crack ..not sure, depends on how bad the crack is. Is it only one wheel that's affected?

On disc brake systems - the pads are actually right up against the rotor - with a tiny micron of space so they aren't rubbing. If a part of the pad (where the crack is) is moving, expanding, or otherwise peeling up off the pad and rubbing against the rotor, you could have squeel/squeek.

The only way you're going to know that for certain, is by changing the pads.

That's just a guess of course.

 

Well I cleaned all my brakes real good. It's only one wheel with that cracked disc. I didn't drive it much after i cleaned everything so I'll know more tomorrow if that squeal is gone. I'm hoping the crack isn't a big deal cause those front pads have plenty of life left. Appreciate all the help and like I said I'll say something tomorrow seeing if it's gone. If anyone else has thoughts about the crack let me know

 

Replace your brake pads right away. Cracking of brake pads is not normal or safe. Better to be safe than sorry. In PA, any cracking of the pad material will fail state safety inspection.

 

Good to know. I've ordered new pads and my uncle who's been a mechanic for 20+ years recommended new rotors as well since I've got so many miles on mine.
Thanks for everyone's help.