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Persistent Brake Squeal on my 2023 Polestar 2

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:45 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

Hey everyone,

I've been experiencing a really annoying brake squeal on my 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor. It's most noticeable at low speeds, especially when I'm coming to a stop or just lightly pressing the brake pedal. It sounds like a high-pitched squeal, not a grinding.

The car only has about 8,000 miles on it, and I wouldn't expect this kind of noise from a relatively new vehicle. I mostly use regenerative braking, so I don't often use the friction brakes heavily.

Is this a common issue with Polestar 2s? Has anyone else dealt with this, and if so, what was the fix? I'm wondering if it's just a characteristic of the brake pads or if something might be off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated before I take it into the service center.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:45 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Brake squeal on electric vehicles like your 2023 Polestar 2 is a common concern, often stemming from the unique way EVs utilize their braking systems. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and what you can do:

Common Causes:

  • Infrequent Friction Brake Use: EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, meaning the mechanical friction brakes are used less frequently. This can lead to a thin layer of rust or glaze building up on the rotors and pads, which then causes squealing when the friction brakes are engaged.
  • Pad Material: Some brake pad compounds are more prone to squealing, especially when cold or after light use.
  • Dust and Debris: Accumulation of brake dust or small debris between the pad and rotor can also cause noise.
  • Lack of Bedding-In: New brakes need to be properly bedded-in to transfer an even layer of pad material onto the rotor, which helps prevent noise.

What You Can Do:

  1. Perform a Brake Bedding-In Procedure: Find a safe, open road and perform several moderate to hard stops from about 60 mph down to 10 mph. Do not come to a complete stop. Repeat this 5-10 times, allowing the brakes to cool slightly between runs. This helps clean the rotors and properly seat the pads.
  2. Inspect Visually: Check your brake rotors for any visible rust spots, grooves, or foreign objects. Sometimes a quick visual inspection can reveal the culprit.
  3. Brake Cleaning: If comfortable, you can try cleaning the brake calipers and pads with a dedicated brake cleaner spray. This can remove dust and debris.

When to See a Shop:

It's important to differentiate between normal squeal and a more serious issue. You should have your Polestar inspected by a qualified service technician if:

  • The squealing is accompanied by a grinding noise, which could indicate worn-out pads or rotor damage.
  • You feel a pulsation or vibration through the brake pedal.
  • Braking performance feels diminished or inconsistent.
  • Any brake-related warning lights (e.g., ABS, ESC, or a general brake system warning) illuminate on your dashboard. While general squeal doesn't usually trigger OBD codes, a more serious brake system fault would. Common brake-related OBD codes might include C0034 (Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit) or C0040 (Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit) if there's an issue with the ABS system, but these are unlikely for simple squeal.

For persistent squealing after trying the bedding-in procedure, a professional brake service (cleaning, lubrication of caliper pins, and inspection) is recommended.

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