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2020 Telluride SX Persistent Brake Squeal and Premature Pad Wear

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Melissa G. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:12 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Kia Telluride SX

Hi everyone,

I have a 2020 Kia Telluride SX with about 45,000 miles. For the past few months, I've been dealing with a really annoying, persistent brake squeal, especially at low speeds or when coming to a gentle stop. It's not just a little noise; it's quite loud and embarrassing.

I also feel like the brake pads are wearing out much faster than they should. I had them replaced about 15,000 miles ago, and now the dealership is telling me they're already getting low again. I don't drive particularly aggressively, and I've owned other SUVs where pads lasted much longer.

Is this a common complaint for the Telluride? Are there any specific TSBs or known issues with the braking system on these vehicles? Any advice on what to look for or ask the mechanic about would be great.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:12 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Persistent brake squeal and premature pad wear on a 2020 Kia Telluride SX are issues that should be investigated thoroughly. While brake wear is normal, excessive noise and rapid wear can indicate underlying problems.

  1. Causes of Brake Squeal:

    • Pad Material: Some aftermarket or even OEM pad compounds can be prone to squealing, especially when cold or damp.
    • Improper Installation: Pads or rotors not properly seated, or lack of anti-squeal shims/lube, can cause noise.
    • Rotor Condition: Grooved, warped, or rusted rotors can contribute to squealing and uneven pad wear.
    • Brake Dust: Accumulation of brake dust can cause noise.
    • Sticking Calipers: If a caliper piston or slide pin is sticking, it can cause the pad to drag on the rotor, leading to constant friction, noise, and accelerated wear.

  2. Causes of Premature Pad Wear:

    • Driving Habits: While you mentioned you don't drive aggressively, heavy city driving with frequent stops naturally wears pads faster.
    • Sticking Calipers: This is a major culprit for premature wear. A caliper that doesn't fully retract will keep the pad in contact with the rotor, causing constant friction and heat.
    • Rotor Runout/Warping: Uneven rotor surfaces can cause pads to wear down quickly and unevenly.
    • Brake System Malfunction: Issues with the ABS or stability control system could potentially cause unintended brake application, though this is less common for just squealing/wear.

  3. No Specific OBD Codes for Squeal/Wear: Brake squeal and premature wear typically do not trigger OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) unless there's an electronic fault with the ABS system (e.g., a wheel speed sensor issue, which might trigger a C1200 - ABS Control Module Malfunction if severe enough, but this is usually accompanied by an ABS warning light).

When to See a Shop: You should take your Telluride to a trusted mechanic or the Kia dealership. Ask them to: * Inspect Calipers: Specifically check for sticking caliper pistons or seized slide pins. This is critical for both noise and wear. * Measure Rotor Thickness and Runout: Ensure rotors are within specifications and not warped. * Check Pad Material: Inquire about the type of brake pads being used. Sometimes switching to a different compound can reduce noise. * Clean and Lubricate: Ensure all brake components are properly cleaned and lubricated during reassembly.

Given the mileage and the fact that pads were replaced recently, a thorough inspection of the calipers and rotors is essential. This is not just about noise but also about braking performance and safety.

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