C5 Brake Squeal

Bill Black · Unread post by **Bill Black** » 02 Jun 2006, 15:57

This is probably a daft question, but can somebody explain why some cars have terrible brake squeal whilst others don't. My hitherto faultless 2003 C5 is starting to develop a really annoying squeal on normal smooth braking from about 10 mph to rest, especially in hot weather. There's plenty of wear left on the pads and discs so the dealer's not prepared to do anything, even under guarantee. Comments...

PowerLee · Unread post by **PowerLee** » 02 Jun 2006, 16:08

Most likely they just need the dust blowing out, A clean up of the caliper & some copper grease on the back of the pads & the sliders & stick it all back together

Kowalski · Unread post by **Kowalski** » 02 Jun 2006, 19:39

Is this the first case of a C5 getting the same squeal that Xantias used to get?

The C5 rear calipers are of a similar design to the Xantia ones, so it would not suprise me if it gets the same problem with corrosion behind the calipers.

Bill Black · Unread post by **Bill Black** » 02 Jun 2006, 20:15

I've never had brake sqeal on any of my Citroens in fact. Have I just been lucky? My old '75 Opel Kadett, '81 Escort & '83 VW Passat all suffered from it from time to time, but the sqeal I'm getting now is terrible. Bad enough to cut my losses and get rid of it.

davetd · Unread post by **davetd** » 02 Jun 2006, 21:26

Hi Bill

The rear brakes are load sensitive on hydropneumatic citroens, so an unladen car doesn't really give them much work to do.

It's the same as a conventional car that just does just town driving.

The more weight in the back, the more work the rear calipers have to do.

So the lack of use causes them to seize.

Change the rear pads and dismantle and lube up the calipers.

davetd

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 02 Jun 2006, 22:14

I believe the brakes (and power steering) on a C5 are conventional like on the Xsara etc. So, the rear brakes aren't load dependant like on a Xantia.

Cheers, Kev

davetd · Unread post by **davetd** » 03 Jun 2006, 09:22

Oops

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 03 Jun 2006, 10:48

Davetd,

I didn't realise the brakes and power steering is conventional until I purchased my C5 so I don't think you're alone in thinking the set up is still like a Xantia.

cheers, Kev