'99 Ranger, 3.0 ltr., X-cab, 95,000 mi.

Just replaced rotors and pads for inspection, stops on a dime. Did same for '03 Taurus last week for inspection too. Problem is Taurus brakes squeal when stopping but not the Ranger. Used Wearever Silver for both. These are Advance Auto's softer, cheaper pads. This forces me to check pads and other parts in 7 to 8 months - a good thing. I used the black goop on the Taurus but not working. One old post recommended cutting fine lines with hacksaw in pads to let gas escape. Don't think these pads came with the usual one vertical line cut in the center. They also didn't have the thin metal backing plate you stick on the shoe that contacts the caliper. What to do?

 

Get a can of Brake-Squeel or whatever it's called (don't remember offhand) and give that a try. Follow the directions on the can and it will get rid of the noise. Advance and AZ should have it.

You can also chamfer the edges of the pads with a file. Break the sharp 90 degree corners to get rid of the vibration that sets up when the pad meets the rotor (that's what the squeal is) and it should help.

 

I believe the edges came chamfered. The guy at the counter sold me a packet to smear on the back of the pads for $.98. At times I've bought brakes that included the packet in the box. I used it but it wasn't really black but more of a cloudy, greasy stuff.