Noisey Brakes B3

William Blyth · 12-08-18, 07:42 PM

Hi

Has anyone else had problems with squeaky brakes on a 1991 Audi 80 B3. I've had squeaks on my B3 for some weeks now. After around 10 minutes a squeak starts at the back or front wheels area,( I cant seem to pinpoint as I think its the rear wheels, and passenger thinks its front wheels.) When I brake the noise stops when the peddle is depressed . It also seems to stop over 65mph. I've had the brakes checked and no one can find any faults. I drove over 500 miles to Audis in the Park this weekend and it drove me mad. The only thing I did notice was a few other Audis at the event had the same squeak. Has any body else had similar problems or is it just an Audi thing?

Thanks for any help

sjp001 · 13-08-18, 10:58 PM

Funny you mention it, as I have been meaning to ask on the forum about exactly the same problem with my b4 audi 80. Sometimes it is the fronts, sometimes the rears. All the brakes are operating correctly, but at certain speeds I get this 'twittering' noise - it's like a vibration or light contact squeal rather than a binding brake. Just as you describe, if I touch the brakes it is gone, and the noise usually only develops at certain speeds after driving for a while. I tried fitting some anti squeal adhesive pads to the back of the brake pads which has helped, but still get a faint noise.

Sorry I can't help, but at least you are not alone with it!

sjp001 · 13-08-18, 10:59 PM

Also if the noise goes away when you gently pull the handbrake (be sensible) then you will know if it is the rears.

William Blyth · 14-08-18, 02:31 PM

Trouble is, as soon as you pull the handbrake, it disappears anyway, simply due to a change of speed; then it simply comes back again; so never sure if it is the back drums. It can just stop for a while by simply going over a hump. Brakes have been stripped down, checked, serviced, etc . I heard somewhere it could also be just vibration. I was going to sell the car at a classic car show simply because its only a 1.8s and I find it a little sedate. However with the brake noise that's going to be hard. I know its nothing serious just noisy, but no buyer going to take my word for it. I think I will try some anti squeal pads when I service it for its winter hibernation. Was odd though hearing £30,000 plus newish Audi's at Deene Park last Sunday with similar noises. Didn't feel so bad with my 27 year old car doing the same.

mikes2 · 14-08-18, 03:52 PM

Ceratec sometimes works

William Blyth · 14-08-18, 04:18 PM

Thanks everyone. I know what I'm doing in October when all the shows finish!!

William Blyth · 19-08-18, 10:01 PM

Serviced front brakes and all seemed fine, but I still applied the Ceratec and so far so good !!! Driven now for 200 odd miles and everything seems fine. YES !!! Shame now the heater has decided to play up. LOL .

sjp001 · 27-08-18, 10:18 PM

Pleased to hear you sorted it William. I asked the same question on the s2 forum and user John. suggested I put a chamfer on the brake pads (if they don't already have one) using some sandpaper or dragging on a paving slab. This fixed the problem for me. Thought it was worth posting in case the noise returns on yours.

William Blyth · 28-08-18, 03:20 PM

Thanks for that.
I have also heard that most modern good quality pads now have chamfered edges to help remove any dust.
When I checked my pads I found them to be in very good condition and original Girling pads, so I left them until I need new pads. I just hope they are not the original 27 year old pads!!! LOL
I think the main thing for me was that prior to my ownership the main Audi garage serviced the brakes using copper grease. As soon as I removed the copper grease and replaced it with ceratec and regreased the pins the noise disappeared.

14-08-18, 03:52 PM	#5
mikes2 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Polmont Posts: 2,617	Ceratec sometimes works __________________ 1991 90 quattro 20v sport 1991 90 quattro

19-08-18, 10:01 PM	#7
William Blyth Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 28	Serviced front brakes and all seemed fine, but I still applied the Ceratec and so far so good !!! Driven now for 200 odd miles and everything seems fine. YES !!! Shame now the heater has decided to play up. LOL . Last edited by William Blyth; 27-08-18 at 09:24 PM.

13-08-18, 10:58 PM	#2
sjp001 Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	Funny you mention it, as I have been meaning to ask on the forum about exactly the same problem with my b4 audi 80. Sometimes it is the fronts, sometimes the rears. All the brakes are operating correctly, but at certain speeds I get this 'twittering' noise - it's like a vibration or light contact squeal rather than a binding brake. Just as you describe, if I touch the brakes it is gone, and the noise usually only develops at certain speeds after driving for a while. I tried fitting some anti squeal adhesive pads to the back of the brake pads which has helped, but still get a faint noise. Sorry I can't help, but at least you are not alone with it!

13-08-18, 10:59 PM	#3
sjp001 Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	Also if the noise goes away when you gently pull the handbrake (be sensible) then you will know if it is the rears.

14-08-18, 02:31 PM	#4
William Blyth Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 28	Trouble is, as soon as you pull the handbrake, it disappears anyway, simply due to a change of speed; then it simply comes back again; so never sure if it is the back drums. It can just stop for a while by simply going over a hump. Brakes have been stripped down, checked, serviced, etc . I heard somewhere it could also be just vibration. I was going to sell the car at a classic car show simply because its only a 1.8s and I find it a little sedate. However with the brake noise that's going to be hard. I know its nothing serious just noisy, but no buyer going to take my word for it. I think I will try some anti squeal pads when I service it for its winter hibernation. Was odd though hearing £30,000 plus newish Audi's at Deene Park last Sunday with similar noises. Didn't feel so bad with my 27 year old car doing the same.

14-08-18, 04:18 PM	#6
William Blyth Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 28	Thanks everyone. I know what I'm doing in October when all the shows finish!!

27-08-18, 10:18 PM	#8
sjp001 Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	Pleased to hear you sorted it William. I asked the same question on the s2 forum and user John. suggested I put a chamfer on the brake pads (if they don't already have one) using some sandpaper or dragging on a paving slab. This fixed the problem for me. Thought it was worth posting in case the noise returns on yours.

28-08-18, 03:20 PM	#9
William Blyth Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 28	Thanks for that. I have also heard that most modern good quality pads now have chamfered edges to help remove any dust. When I checked my pads I found them to be in very good condition and original Girling pads, so I left them until I need new pads. I just hope they are not the original 27 year old pads!!! LOL I think the main thing for me was that prior to my ownership the main Audi garage serviced the brakes using copper grease. As soon as I removed the copper grease and replaced it with ceratec and regreased the pins the noise disappeared.