October 1989

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Dear Tom and Ray:
I bought a new 1989 Mercury Sable which I now have 5,000 miles on. After it's been parked overnight, the brakes squeal for the first three or so stops. I have spoken to two other owners and they have the same problem. Have a nice day.
Norm

RAY: For all the advantages disc brakes have over drum brakes, they have one disadvantage, and you've put your finger on it, Norm.
Disc brakes can be noisy.

TOM: Softer pads may make them quieter, but they'll wear out faster. A better solution would be to ask the dealer to apply some "Disc Brake Quiet" to the back of the pads. That's a compound designed to dampen the vibrations of the pad against the caliper.

RAY: In all likelihood, there's nothing wrong. If the dampening compound doesn't work, just turn up the radio and have a nice day, Norm.

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© 2006 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.