Hey scotty, love your videos!
I got a used 2013 Toyota Corolla with 201k km (199k when I got it).
When I got it earlier this summer, the owner said that he installed fresh brakes (and he did since we got a trusted mechanic to check them)
However, when i put some light pressure on the brakes, they make a squealing sound. I was told that's because they're new.
I've also noticed that when I'm driving and I slow down to say a traffic light, at around 10 kmh, my brake pedal begins to feel and sound "grindy"
I don't know what causes it, it brakes normally otherwise (except for the squeeling, but that has gone down since I first got it).
Do I need to service it or is it normal?
Probably cheap brake pads, maybe scored rotors as well.
When I purchased my current 04 Avalon 15 years ago, I decided that I would have it dealer serviced as it was in like new condition with 40k miles and I wanted to maintain it was well as possible knowing that they would use OEM parts and hopefully trained Toyota mechanics. The first time I had the brake pads replaced on all four wheels, I was shocked at how much grinding and scraping noise they made. I was told by the service manager that it was because OEM pads were semi-metallic. After a while they quieted down but were never smooth. Having now learned about Akebono brake pads, when I recently had all four rotors replaced at an independent shop that specializes in the service of Toyotas, they used quality rotors and I requested Akebono ceramic pads, They also performed the bedding process to mate the pads to the rotors, Now my car at 170K miles and 20 years old stops more smoothly and confidently than it ever has.
So, I think that having smooth and responsive brakes is a result of using quality brake parts installed by a knowledgeable, competent and conscientious mechanic. And I would never use semi-metallic pads again even though they are the OEM replacement application.
In your situation @chucktobias may be correct. But even if the rotors were not scored and quality pads were used, if the pads were semi-metallic they will still make the noise you describe. Or perhaps they were not properly bedded. If the problem persists, you could take it to your mechanic and have the rotors turned and upgrade to Akebono ceramic pads. I think that would put a smile on your face.
