Why are the brakes on my Toyota Corolla E210 making a squeaking noise?

When the brakes on your Toyota Corolla E210 (2019-2024) make a squeaking noise, it can be due to several reasons. Here's a detailed guide to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:

Symptoms:

• Squeaking or squealing noise when applying the brakes.
• Noise may be more pronounced in the morning or after the car has been sitting.
• Noise could occur in both dry and wet conditions.

Diagnostic Steps:

1. Visual Inspection of Brake Pads and Rotors:

   • Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, flashlight.
   • Procedure:
     1. Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
     2. Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.
     3. Inspect the brake pads for wear. If the pads are less than 3mm thick, they need replacement.
     4. Check the rotors for grooves or scoring. Excessive wear or damage can cause noise.

2. Check for Dust or Debris:

   • Procedure:
     1. Use a flashlight to inspect the brake components for dust or debris.
     2. Clean the brake components with brake cleaner if necessary.

3. Inspect Brake Pad Shims:

   • Procedure:
     1. Ensure that the brake pad shims are correctly installed and not damaged.
     2. Misaligned or damaged shims can cause noise.

4. Check for Glazed Pads or Rotors:

   • Procedure:
     1. Look for a shiny, glass-like appearance on the pads or rotors, which indicates glazing.
     2. Glazed pads or rotors will need to be replaced or resurfaced.

5. Evaluate Brake Pad Material:

   • Procedure:
     1. Some brake pad materials, such as metallic or semi-metallic, are more prone to noise.
     2. Consider replacing with ceramic pads if noise persists.

Parts/Components That May Need Replacement:

• Brake pads (if worn or glazed).
• Brake rotors (if excessively worn or damaged).
• Brake pad shims (if damaged).

Estimated Time for Repair/Maintenance:

• Inspection: Approximately 30 minutes per wheel.
• Brake Pad Replacement: 1 to 2 hours for all four wheels.
• Rotor Replacement/Resurfacing: Additional 1 to 2 hours.

Safety Warnings:

• Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported on jack stands before working underneath.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with brake components and cleaners.
• Use caution when handling brake components, as they may be hot after recent use.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and address the squeaking noise from your Toyota Corolla E210's brakes. If the problem persists after these checks and repairs, it may be advisable to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis.