Does anyone else have this problem: brakes squeek really loud when you press them slightly (goes away when you press harder). Seems like only the front brakes are making the noise. Brake pads etc are not old. Took this to the dealer, they checked it and said nothing was wrong, this was normal for this car because it had semi-metallic brakes. It is really annoying. What would you guys suggest?

 

Well when you had your pads replaced did they cut your rotors? If not then that would cause your brakes to squeal. Sometimes they don't cut it unless you ask, or they they feel its not required or just to lazy or in a rush! I always make sure mine get cut if there is still enough room on the rotors or I opt to replace them. Regardless what type of pads they are, after a brake job the brakes should not squeal after a few miles if the job was done correctly. I would have them pull your rotors and cut them if they didn't do it, then sand your pads down cause they could have got warped from the rotors if the rotors were not cut in the initial brake job. Then spray your pads with "Disc Brake Squeal Stop Spray" and have them reinstalled. That should fix the probem. Not much more you can do or you have a bad pads which can happen.

That's my opinion but lets see what the others have to say.

 

or it could be that the pads weren't aligned correctly, or brake dryness. i think the uncut rotors sharpLS said is a good theory. but since they are new, if the squealing really doesn't go away after a few days of driving, time to take the car back. check if everything is aligned down there...drive relatively fast, then step on the brakes, see if the steering shakes or not, but make sure u dont crash.

 

I have this issue in my 1st gen LS as well...squeaking from front brakes. I'm told that's just how it is. At last brake job, I had new Lexus rotors and brake pads put on with all the anti-shim and anti-squeal stuff. Doesn't squeal all the time...just sometimes.

 

OK...at least I confirmed the "it is supposed to be like that" explanation with someone else. I think that is ridiculous...when I pull up to the stoplight it sounds like a 72 Ford truck is approaching...NOT a Lexus. Well I will go to some other auto shops and see what they say.