I have a 2004 2wd Expedition. I have fought front disc brake squeal on this thing since it was new. I tried full ceramic pads after the OEM pads wore out. The ceramic pads were better than the OEM pads but not entirely squeal free. Last fall I put on the 3rd set of pads since we bought it new in 2004, this time I used Performance Friction carbon metallic pads. They have a squeal occasionally. This is my wife's vehicle so I don't drive it everyday. Tonight I tested it, I couldn't get a squeal until they brakes had warmed up. I only get a squeal from the right front. I did not replace the clips that hold the pads in place when I changed them. I did use the anti squeal compound on the back of the pads, this seemed to help in the past with the old pads.

Any ideas on how to silence the squeal for good?

 

Are you getting more wear on one side than the other? Squeal is really a high pitch vibration from the pads "bouncing" around. Anti squeal clips and goop/backing on the pad back are ways to control them. On the big trucks we work on the squeal usually happens when the brakes are glazed over from heat. Are you turning the rotors each time you re-pad? Can you try a different brake shop (brake lathe) to have your rotors machined again? Are your rotors too thin, or perhaps are the front brakes are doing all of the work and then over heating.

Lastly I'd say try a standard "OEM" brake pad set from one of the high quality manufactures and see if that helps.

 

Replacement shims are not always of the best quality and definitely cause squeel.. There are stainless steel shims avail (aftermarket) or just visit a hardware store and pick up some 18 gauge stainless steel and make some shims.

 

I put new rotors, Bosch I believe, on the last time. The shop turned the new rotors to make sure they were in proper spec. I replaced the rear pads last fall and had the rotors turned, it was the first time they had been turned and they barely took anything off of them.

I put the goop on the back of the pads. I'll get some quality clips and change those.