Break squeel is re-occuring problem

There is another thread on this subject in the forum. It is at:
http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=455

Our XLR is at the dealership for this problem. The squeal gets very loud at times and other times the squeal isn't noticible. On wet pavement, the squeal is usually nonexistent. When it is hot and dry, the squeal is very loud...jet engine loud.

GM has issued a service bulletin concerning the loud squeal. Unfortunately I can't read the body of the bulletin, but here is the information I do have:


Make : CADILLAC -- Model : XLR -- Year : 2004

Service Bulletin Num : 01894 -- Date of Bulletin: JAN 01, 2004

NHTSA Item Number: 10006425

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary:
FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS. *MR

No problem here...yet

Our XLR is now 3 months old and has about 2500 miles. No squeal yet.
I will admit to not having been very agressive on the brakes, but regardless, there should be no squealing at the mileages you guys are talking about.

My '02 Mercedes ML-500 had a similar problem at 13,000 miles. New model, brand new brake design. I took the vehicle to Brake Check and "independently" verified the rotors. They were in spec. No glazing. We checked the thickness of the brake pad. Again, in spec.

The problem was the brake pad compound. Without good 'ol asbestos, the first compound used by Mercedes caused the kind of squealing you guys are describing. M-B did have a new formulation out fairly quickly.

M-B put new pads on gratis, after a round of loud complaining by me. I have 45,000 miles now, and haven't heard a whimper. I suspect the problem you are experiencing is of similar origin.

After reading your comments and the link to the other thread, I admit this is a cause for concern. I will be listening.

aviator :cool

Point of argument

I don't know of a redesign - except the one on my Mercedes.

The technical issue: Are the brakes squealing because the "squealer" is making contact, or is the squeal due to an inadequate (or poorly implemented) pad compound scrubbing on the rotor? If the $200 or so is an issue with you, you need to do some investigation.

I believe the point of argument should not turn on the mileage of the car. It should be on the thickness of the rotor. What is the brand new "t' dimension? What is the minimum or "replace" dimension? Also true for the pads. At what thickness should the pads be replaced? Find that out independently. This is published information somewhere. Perhaps someone on the forum knows, or has access thereto.
If those dimensions are in spec, you have an undeniable argument that the "wear" on these consumables is not the issue at all. The more info you have, the better. I had the info in hand on my Mercedes. They wanted me to pay for the replacement. I innocently asked the right questions. They knew I had 'em dead to rights. At 13,000 miles Mercedes paid for new pads.

In Cadillac's defense, there is always the guy who drives around with his left foot on the brake and his right foot on the accelerator. Or the super hot rod guy who repeatedly want's to know the minimum stopping distance from 120 mph. In the wrong hands, it is possible to run through the brakes at 13,000 miles.

We will be listening...