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2018 Q50 Brakes Squealing and Vibrating - What's going on?

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:04 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport with about 45,000 miles on it. Lately, I've noticed a pretty annoying squealing sound when I brake, especially at lower speeds or when coming to a stop. It's not constant, but it's happening more and more frequently.

To make things worse, I'm also feeling a slight vibration through the pedal and steering wheel when I apply the brakes, particularly from highway speeds. It's not severe, but it definitely wasn't there before. I had the pads and rotors checked about 10,000 miles ago and they said everything looked good.

Could this be warped rotors already? Or maybe something else entirely? Any advice on what I should look into first would be great. Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:04 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing common symptoms of brake wear or issues. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and what to do:

  1. Identify the Cause of Squealing:

    • Pad Wear Indicators: Most brake pads have a metal tab that squeals when the pads are low. Even if they were checked 10k miles ago, driving style can accelerate wear.
    • Glazed Pads/Rotors: Hard braking or repeated heavy use can glaze the surface of the pads and rotors, leading to squealing. This can sometimes be resolved by re-bedding the brakes.
    • Contamination: Dirt, dust, or even oil/grease on the pads or rotors can cause noise.

  2. Address Brake Vibration (Pulsation):

    • Warped Rotors: This is the most common cause of vibration during braking. While rotors don't technically 'warp' in the traditional sense, uneven heat distribution or material transfer can create high spots, leading to a pulsating feel.
    • Uneven Pad Wear: If pads are wearing unevenly, it can also contribute to vibration.
    • Loose Caliper Components: A loose caliper bolt or guide pin can cause the caliper to move excessively, leading to vibration and noise.
    • Wheel Bearing Issues: Less common, but a worn wheel bearing can sometimes manifest as vibration during braking, though it's usually accompanied by a humming noise that changes with speed.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediate Inspection: Given the vibration, it's highly recommended to have your brakes professionally inspected as soon as possible. Brake issues can compromise safety.
    • Diagnosis: A technician can measure rotor runout, check pad thickness, inspect calipers, and look for any other contributing factors.
    • Potential Repairs: Depending on the diagnosis, you might need:
      • New brake pads and rotors.
      • Rotor resurfacing (if within thickness specifications).
      • Caliper service or replacement.
      • Brake fluid flush if the fluid is old or contaminated.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to reduced braking performance and potentially more costly repairs down the line. It's always best to prioritize brake safety.

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