5thGenRams Forums

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Fingers Crossed...Brake Squeal Resolved

Tmcb

Active Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Messages
87
Reaction score
28
Folks I am pleased to report the ram service team has helped me finally get new pads. I went today to have the rear pads changed out only to be told they had to order. So five trips and going on my 6th this Monday. Hopeful that the new pads will stop the squeel. As nice as these trucks are, I cannot accept driving a 60k auto that squeals so bad.
 

Jamesontf

Active Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2019
Messages
37
Reaction score
24
Location
Idaho
I’m sitting s dealership now Bc of the Chewbacca mating call brake issue. The service tech here is terrible. Fighting me on everything. Showed him this thread and the Star case. Says he doesn’t have any complaints about it. Told him I’m complaining about it and lots of other Ram owners too. Very disappointed with level of service.

My issue is definitely backing up in morning after a cold and or rainy/snowy night. Didn’t happen in sept/October when I first got it. Goes away quickly and doesn’t come back to the next morning. Also doesn’t happen every morning.
So I went to the dealer this morning to ask if the Chewbacca brakes we a common problem. He said yes and that there was a bulletin about it. The down side is that they will have to fix one brake at a time till they get all four done.
Love the Chewbacca mating call discription!
 

Dusty1948

Ram Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2018
Messages
1,251
Reaction score
846
Location
Rochester, New York
The brake squeal (howling) noise on my Quad Cab only has occurred when braking in reverse the first time after the vehicle sits overnight. This symptom only manifested itself as the temperatures dropped in moist or rainy day/nights. I've tested this a number of times and the vehicle only needs to roll 50 feet or more and the noise will not reoccur. Based on the observation of several people, the extreme howl noise is coming from the rear brakes only.

My suspicion was that the eBrake was not releasing enough after an overnight resting condition.

As a way to eliminate the interaction of components, I've been going into the Settings menu and retracting the rear eBrake in the Service Mode at each first start. I've completed this test six times and the result has not borne any difference. So in my case I don't believe this is an eBrake situation.

Since rear brakes generally only supply about 10% of the vehicle braking in normal conditions, this is leading me to suspect that the slight pad application on the rear rotors is causing an oscillation that goes away after some moisture has been rubbed off the cold pad or rotor surface. There are a number of things that could be causing this, but this is one for Ram engineering to figure out.

Best regards,
Dusty

2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 008564 miles.
 

geotex1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2018
Messages
470
Reaction score
440
Location
Mtns of PA
I’m sitting s dealership now Bc of the Chewbacca mating call brake issue. The service tech here is terrible. Fighting me on everything. Showed him this thread and the Star case. Says he doesn’t have any complaints about it. Told him I’m complaining about it and lots of other Ram owners too. Very disappointed with level of service.

My issue is definitely backing up in morning after a cold and or rainy/snowy night. Didn’t happen in sept/October when I first got it. Goes away quickly and doesn’t come back to the next morning. Also doesn’t happen every morning.

Next time you have such weather do not move the truck until you look at the rotor closely. Report to us what you see and feel. What I believe you and others with this symptom is something very common but not the same, albeit possibly related, to the issue others of us have at speed with squeal. If anyone has a rotor and OE pad they're willing to part with, I could have definitive answers in a few days after receiving them. I'm not willing to sacrifice mine, yet, because I feel FCA should fix the problem before I do so myself, but I definitely won't put up will the issue I'm having for long as it can be resolved.

Longhorn5G, it's not lack of lube. Was ok from factory, and I'm now playing along with my local service dealer to get the resolution. I observed the FCA-instructed clean and redo work - I would have done it exactly as he did - and it squealed on our test drive together immediately after the service. It's been reported back to FCA as well, and I was told same thing - working on a fix.
 

Rayzram

Active Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2018
Messages
152
Reaction score
82
My truck is a total embarrassment to back up with. I am ready to swap the pads myself. Damn shame at $54,000.00 I am looking at doing a brake repair myself since FCA can't seem to take care of it. 30-year auto tech and never had an issue on a customers car, some of which were 20+ yrs old. This is pathetic.
 

Mason1217

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2018
Messages
210
Reaction score
180
Location
Michigan
The brake squeal (howling) noise on my Quad Cab only has occurred when braking in reverse the first time after the vehicle sits overnight. This symptom only manifested itself as the temperatures dropped in moist or rainy day/nights. I've tested this a number of times and the vehicle only needs to roll 50 feet or more and the noise will not reoccur. Based on the observation of several people, the extreme howl noise is coming from the rear brakes only.

My suspicion was that the eBrake was not releasing enough after an overnight resting condition.

As a way to eliminate the interaction of components, I've been going into the Settings menu and retracting the rear eBrake in the Service Mode at each first start. I've completed this test six times and the result has not borne any difference. So in my case I don't believe this is an eBrake situation.

Since rear brakes generally only supply about 10% of the vehicle braking in normal conditions, this is leading me to suspect that the slight pad application on the rear rotors is causing an oscillation that goes away after some moisture has been rubbed off the cold pad or rotor surface. There are a number of things that could be causing this, but this is one for Ram engineering to figure out.

Best regards,
Dusty

2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 008564 miles.
Mine is the exact same scenrio. Only after overnight, and only backing out of driveway. If I get down the street and back up again, no squeal.
 

Edwards

Ram Guru
Joined
May 2, 2018
Messages
2,171
Reaction score
2,276
Location
TX
Mine is the exact same scenrio. Only after overnight, and only backing out of driveway. If I get down the street and back up again, no squeal.

I've never had a hint of squeal but it was very humid yesterday in Houston before the front came through. I backed out around 10am and heard the Chewbacca mating call loud and clear. I LOL'd because that was a very good description.

By the time I started moving forward, it was gone. I'm chalking it up to surface rust on the rotors that got ground off as intended.

No slight to anyone with the ongoing issue but just another data point.
 

go-ram

Ram Guru
Joined
Jun 30, 2018
Messages
716
Reaction score
643
Maybe those of you with consistent brake squeal at first back-up in the morning can try backing into the parking space, and drive out frontwards first thing in the AM? Then after you've had one initial brake application going frontwards, stop and back up and see if the brakes squeal at first back-up AFTER that first front-braking episode scrubs the rotors clean. That might help determine if it is a light coat of rust on the rotors that develops overnight that is causing the noise.
 

Dusty1948

Ram Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2018
Messages
1,251
Reaction score
846
Location
Rochester, New York
Took the Ram in for dealer service this morning. One of the things on my list was the loud brake howl when backing up.

The tech. immediately recognized the symptom and commented that they've seen this issue before. He showed me the presence of little black dots that appear raised on the rear rotor surfaces with a black tail that follows the (vehicle) forward direction of the rotor. He said the black dots are residual pad material caused by light pad contact and eventually produces the brake noise when in reverse. This causes the brake pad to "skitter" (his word) across the rotor under light brake application.

The resolution is known: replace the rotors and pads. This is covered under the 2-year, 24,000 mile warranty.

Because my dealer's service staff knows how to treat its customers, he recommended that I wait until spring time to replace them since by then the winter road salt should be gone by then and I'll get more mileage out of them.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 008651 miles.
 

Dusty1948

Ram Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2018
Messages
1,251
Reaction score
846
Location
Rochester, New York
Maybe those of you with consistent brake squeal at first back-up in the morning can try backing into the parking space, and drive out frontwards first thing in the AM? Then after you've had one initial brake application going frontwards, stop and back up and see if the brakes squeal at first back-up AFTER that first front-braking episode scrubs the rotors clean. That might help determine if it is a light coat of rust on the rotors that develops overnight that is causing the noise.

I've done this quite a few times. Once the rotors make two or three complete rotations they will not squeal again until the following morning.

I don't think it's a rust problem. I've starred at these rotors enough that it's generated some suspicious interest from my neighbors. No sign of rust on either front or rear rotors. But the rears have what appears to be black residue spots.

See my previous post.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 008698 miles.
 

rushtshirtprinting

New Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I just bought a new 1500 limited 4x4 4 weeks ago and at 1300 miles I started hearing squealing noise when I was braking between 30-50 speed, I took my truck to dealer they said this is well known issue , and they haven't came out with a fix yet. they told me I need to wait till end of march till the new brake pads are out. which is very disappointing. I am gonna try to go in tomorrow and give them star case number I found on this thread and see what happens.
 

RamCares

Spends too much time on here
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
4,380
Reaction score
1,458
Location
Michigan
I just bought a new 1500 limited 4x4 4 weeks ago and at 1300 miles I started hearing squealing noise when I was braking between 30-50 speed, I took my truck to dealer they said this is well known issue , and they haven't came out with a fix yet. they told me I need to wait till end of march till the new brake pads are out. which is very disappointing. I am gonna try to go in tomorrow and give them star case number I found on this thread and see what happens.

Hi rushtshirtprinting,

We're sorry to hear that you have this squealing brake concern in your new Ram. If you are in need of additional assistance while your truck is in service, please feel free to send us a private message.

Darlene
Ram Social Care Specialist
 

Tmcb

Active Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
Messages
87
Reaction score
28
I have now new to the service department 5 separate times dating back to September to address the noise from my rear brakes. This week on Monday, they replaced the pads. Today I heard the noise several times today. I just don’t know what to do anymore.
 

geotex1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2018
Messages
470
Reaction score
440
Location
Mtns of PA
I have now new to the service department 5 separate times dating back to September to address the noise from my rear brakes. This week on Monday, they replaced the pads. Today I heard the noise several times today. I just don’t know what to do anymore.

If they did not replace the rotors too with the pads, the problem will just come back, especially if just using the stock pads. I'm working through the process with FCA over this. I pretty sure what the problem is, and if correct it's easy to remedy with the appropriate materials. Just not willing to fix it myself when it's their obligation in my opinion. Supposedly a proper fix is in development.
 

4midlife

Active Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
39
Reaction score
15
I have now new to the service department 5 separate times dating back to September to address the noise from my rear brakes. This week on Monday, they replaced the pads. Today I heard the noise several times today. I just don’t know what to do anymore.
It is not a pad issue but actually a rear caliper design issue. This was told to me directly by FCA as they were unable to fix my noisy brakes. The paperwork said it was a known issue and that they are working on a fix and will put out a TSB when ready, ETA unknown.

Very very frustrating as I have had all brake components front and back replaced and the noise is not only still there but getting louder. Extremely embarrassing and obnoxious. I am seriously considering moving on to a different brand as the noise is not acceptable and to add fuel to the fire, FCA is doing little to fix or calm our frustrations.
 

67 RT

Active Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2018
Messages
89
Reaction score
49
Mine squeals like a stuck hog as well upon morning back up. I’ve asked my service advisor about it (when I was there for my fire wheel) and he said that is just because they are made with “pot metal” and there is nothing they can do about it. Lol. Thanks for the vote of confidence in my mechanical knowledge......

Also, it is really disappointing to have this issue already on a new truck. I’ve had cars go 100k with no brake squeal from the original pads/rotors. Now this....
 

4midlife

Active Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
39
Reaction score
15
Disc brakes have been in mass production since the 50's which is why it is so surprising in today's world with all the technology that this is even possible.

Everytime I hit the brakes I can feel my heart rate rising.
 

thcmas35

Tracking order
Tracking order
Joined
May 30, 2018
Messages
239
Reaction score
176
Location
MN
I'm willing to give them time to fix it. It's frustrating, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong and may need fine tuning. I hope they are honest and take care of us and this issue, but I'm not abandoning them. This whole truck (ex motor) is new. There are bound to be things that are discovered as the new fleet grows and ages. These seem like things that can be fixed with a little time.
 

thcmas35

Tracking order
Tracking order
Joined
May 30, 2018
Messages
239
Reaction score
176
Location
MN
People DO need to go in and have it logged, descriptive warranty claims. It needs to be in the system.

Because of it takes too long for them to find the fix, and you never went in with an early logged issue, it can easily become a normal wear and tear brake argument from their side.
Good point - It feels like a waste of time if they don't fix it. I will get it in soon. Not really excited to go in and have them tell me they cannot replicate on demand.
 

4midlife

Active Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
39
Reaction score
15
I'm willing to give them time to fix it. It's frustrating, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong and may need fine tuning. I hope they are honest and take care of us and this issue, but I'm not abandoning them. This whole truck (ex motor) is new. There are bound to be things that are discovered as the new fleet grows and ages. These seem like things that can be fixed with a little time.
I commend you on your patience and do agree that this is par for the course when buying a 1st year car. This is now my 3rd - 1st year production and everytime i tell myself I will never do it again :).

My frustration purely comes from the significant inconvenience this has caused me with the number of dealership visits to still have it happen. Even more, it now makes noise 100% of the time when braking and louder than ever before. Additionally, FCA has been less than empathetic in this situation with them basically saying deal with it until a future date.

Time will tell and I am optimistic this will end well. That being said, the best interior in the trucking business does not outweigh something like extremely noisy brakes.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top