2019 Q60 Red Sport Brakes Squealing and Excessive Dust

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:51 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400

My 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 has about 35,000 miles on it, and the brakes have been driving me crazy lately. They squeal loudly, especially at low speeds or when coming to a gentle stop. It's embarrassing, to be honest. On top of that, the amount of brake dust on my wheels is insane – they're constantly black!

I know high-performance brakes can be noisy and produce dust, but this seems excessive for normal driving. I've heard some owners swap out their pads for aftermarket ones to mitigate these issues. Is this a common complaint for the Q60 Red Sport? What are the best options for quieter, less dusty pads that still offer good stopping power?

I'm trying to figure out if this is just a characteristic of the car or if there's something wrong with my current setup. Any recommendations for specific brands or types of pads would be really helpful!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The squealing brakes and excessive brake dust on your 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 are indeed common complaints for owners of performance vehicles, including those with the Akebono brakes found on the Red Sport. While these brakes offer excellent stopping power, the trade-off can be noise and dust.

  1. Pad Material: The factory brake pads on performance vehicles often use a metallic or semi-metallic compound designed for high-friction and heat resistance. These materials tend to be noisier and produce more dust than ceramic pads, which are generally quieter and cleaner. The squealing can be exacerbated by glazing of the pads or rotors, or by vibrations.
  2. Rotor Condition: Uneven wear or warping of the brake rotors can also contribute to noise. While less common at 35,000 miles without hard track use, it's worth checking.
  3. Brake Bedding: Improper bedding of new brake pads can lead to noise. This process helps transfer a layer of pad material onto the rotor, which is crucial for optimal performance and reduced noise.
  4. Aftermarket Solutions: Many Q60 Red Sport owners opt for aftermarket ceramic brake pads to address these issues. Brands like Akebono (their aftermarket ceramic line, not the OEM metallic), Hawk Performance (HPS 5.0), or PowerStop (Z23 Evolution Sport) are popular choices. These pads typically offer significantly less dust and noise while maintaining good daily driving performance. Keep in mind that while ceramic pads are great for street use, they might not handle extreme track conditions as well as dedicated performance metallic pads.

When to see a shop:

If the squealing is accompanied by grinding, a pulsating pedal, or a significant decrease in braking performance, you should immediately have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician. These symptoms could indicate worn-out pads, damaged rotors, or other safety-critical issues. There are typically no OBD codes associated with brake squeal or dust, but if you have an ABS light or other brake system warnings, those would generate codes. If you're simply looking to reduce noise and dust, a reputable shop can assess your current brake system's health and install aftermarket pads that better suit your driving preferences.