Persistent Squeaky Brakes on my 2021 Polestar 2

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 5:22 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I've had my 2021 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor for about a year now, and for the past few months, I've been getting a really annoying squeak from the brakes. It's most noticeable at low speeds, especially when coming to a stop, but sometimes even when just lightly applying the brakes.

I live in a fairly dry climate, so I don't think it's constant rust. Is this a common issue with Polestars? I'm wondering if it's just normal for EVs or if I should be concerned about something more serious. Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Squeaky brakes on EVs like your 2021 Polestar 2 are a common concern, often due to how regenerative braking is utilized. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to do:

  1. Causes of Squeaky Brakes:

    • Lack of Mechanical Brake Use: EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, which means the friction brakes aren't used as often or as hard. This can lead to a thin layer of rust or glaze building up on the rotors and pads, causing squeaking.
    • Brake Pad Material: Some performance-oriented brake pads, common in vehicles like Polestar, can be noisier by nature.
    • Environmental Factors: Humidity, dust, or even road salt can contribute to surface rust and noise.
    • Wear Indicators: Less commonly, it could be the brake pad wear indicators starting to make contact, signaling low pads.
  2. What You Can Try:

    • Brake Bedding-In: Find a safe, open area and perform several firm, controlled stops from moderate speeds (e.g., 40-50 mph down to 10 mph) without coming to a complete stop. This helps to heat the pads and rotors, cleaning off surface glaze and rust.
    • Regular Hard Braking: Periodically, when safe, use your friction brakes more assertively to keep them clean and prevent buildup.
    • Brake Cleaning: A professional brake service can clean and lubricate the caliper pins and contact points, which often resolves squeaking.
  3. When to See a Shop:

    • If the squeaking is accompanied by a grinding noise, a pulsating brake pedal, or a noticeable decrease in braking performance, have it inspected immediately. These are signs of more serious issues like worn pads, damaged rotors, or caliper problems.
    • If the squeaking persists despite trying the bedding-in procedure, it's worth having a certified Polestar technician inspect the brake system to rule out any underlying mechanical issues, especially if the vehicle is still under warranty.