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Loud Squealing Brakes on my 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

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

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

Hey everyone,

I'm experiencing some really loud squealing from my brakes on my 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. It's got about 55,000 miles on it, and I haven't had the brakes replaced yet, just routine inspections. The squealing is most noticeable when I'm coming to a stop, especially at lower speeds, but sometimes I hear it even when I'm just lightly touching the pedal at higher speeds.

It's been happening for about a week now, and it seems to be getting a bit worse. There's no noticeable vibration in the pedal or steering wheel, and the car still stops fine, but the noise is quite embarrassing. I live in a pretty humid area, so I thought maybe it was just morning dew, but it persists throughout the day.

Could this be a sign of worn pads, or something more serious? Any advice on what I should check or if this is a common issue with the Q50 Red Sport's performance brakes? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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Hi Chris,

Brake squealing is a common concern, especially with performance vehicles like your Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. While it can often be minor, it's always best to investigate to ensure safety and prevent further damage.

Here are the most common causes for brake squealing:

  1. Pad Wear: The most frequent cause. Brake pads have a wear indicator (a small metal tab) that makes a high-pitched squeal when the pads are nearing the end of their life.
  2. Rotor Condition: Glazed, grooved, or rusted rotors can cause noise. Uneven surfaces prevent pads from making full contact, leading to vibrations and squealing.
  3. Pad Material: Performance brake pads, often found on Red Sport models, sometimes use compounds that can be noisier than standard pads, especially when cold.
  4. Contamination: Dirt, dust, road salt, or even brake fluid/grease on the pads or rotors can cause squealing.
  5. Caliper Issues: Sticking caliper pistons or seized guide pins can cause uneven pad wear and persistent noise.

Here’s what you can do to diagnose and potentially address the issue:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect your brake pads for thickness. If they look thin (less than 3-4mm), they likely need replacement. Also, check the rotors for deep grooves or significant rust.
  2. Clean Brakes: Sometimes, a good cleaning with brake cleaner can remove surface contaminants causing the noise.
  3. Brake Bedding: If you've recently had new pads or rotors installed (though you mentioned you haven't), improper bedding can cause noise. A proper bedding procedure helps transfer a layer of pad material onto the rotor.
  4. Listen Carefully: Try to differentiate between a high-pitched squeal (often pad wear or glazing) and a deeper grinding sound (which indicates metal-on-metal contact and requires immediate attention).

When to see a professional shop:

  • Grinding Noise: If you hear a grinding sound, stop driving immediately and have your vehicle towed to a shop. This means your pads are completely worn, and the metal backing plate is contacting the rotor, which is dangerous and causes significant damage.
  • Vibration: If you feel vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking, this could indicate warped rotors or other suspension issues.
  • Warning Lights: If your ABS, VDC, or brake system warning lights illuminate on your dashboard (e.g., an OBD-II code like C1103 for a wheel speed sensor fault, though less likely for just squealing), it indicates a more serious electronic or hydraulic system problem.
  • Spongy Pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually soft or goes to the floor, this is a critical safety issue requiring immediate attention.
  • Persistent Squeal: If the squealing persists after a visual check and cleaning, or if you're uncomfortable performing the inspection yourself, it's best to have a qualified technician diagnose the issue. Given your mileage, it's highly probable your pads are due for replacement.
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