Brake squeal: a literature review

Brake squeal, which usually falls in the frequency range between 1 and 16 kHz, has been one of the most difficult concerns associated with automotive brake systems since their inception. It causes customer dissatisfaction and increases warranty costs. Although substantial research has been conducted into predicting and eliminating brake squeal since the 1930s, it is still rather difficult to predict its occurrence. In this paper, the characteristics and current difficulties encountered in tackling brake squeal are first described. A review of the analytical, experimental and numerical methods used for the investigation of brake squeal is then given. Some of the challenges facing brake squeal research are outlined.