Dear Tom and Ray:

We have a 1992 Subaru Legacy all-wheel-drive wagon. It was recently in to the dealer for its five-year checkup. In addition to a tuneup and a timing-belt change, they also installed new brakes. Now my car's brakes squeal every morning when I back out of the driveway (that's the only time they squeal). I took the car back and was told by the service rep that "it's our island atmosphere causing the brakes to rust overnight" (we live near the ocean). Every guy I tell this story to nearly doubles over in laughter! Yet the service rep told it to me with a straight face and seemed very honest and sincere. Could he be right? -- Judy

Ray: Well, don't fall for that straight-face stuff, Judy. They teach us that at MIT -- the Mechanic's Institute of Technobabble. If we can't say "they all do that" with a straight face and have a nun believe us, they won't let us graduate.

Tom: But the service rep may be right in this case. Brake rotors can quickly build up a very thin coating of rust (which is all it takes to make a slight crunching or squealing noise on your first brake application of the day). And if you live right near the ocean, it's entirely possible that it could happen overnight. And the fact that it only happens the first time you step on the brakes, and then goes away, supports that theory.

Ray: However, arguing against that theory is the fact that it never did this before your "five-year checkup." So one possibility is that they gave you new pads, but didn't resurface your rotors. And if that's the case, I'd ask them to do that.

Tom: It's also possible that they didn't apply enough of the SSG (special Subaru grease) to the back sides of the pads. That's designed to keep the brakes from squealing. So ask them to try that, too.

Ray: If they can't fix it, however, I wouldn't be overly concerned. I really don't think it's a safety problem. In fact, it may be a safety advantage! You know how those big trucks go "beep, beep, beep" to warn people when they're backing up? Well, consider this your backup warning, Judy!

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Be an informed shopper. Read Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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