Drum Brake Squeal: Causes & Fixes

Hello,

The TÜV (German technical inspection agency) found a problem with the braking performance on the right rear of my Golf. As a result, I replaced the brake pads, wheel cylinders, and wheel bearings on both sides.
The brake cylinder on the original side was still the first one and, as a result, very rusty and leaking.
The first two weeks, everything worked well. The braking performance during the technical inspection (TÜV) was also satisfactory.
Now, the rear right brake is squealing when I brake.
I'm not talking about the typical short squeal you hear when releasing the brakes, which is common in VWs. I'm familiar with that problem.
The brakes squeal when braking, and quite loudly. However, it only happens just before the car comes to a complete stop. If you brake harder, the squealing stops.
If you apply the handbrake when the car is squealing, the noise stops.
I would like to fix this again, but I have no idea what's causing it.
In my search, I found something that suggests replacing the brake pads when dealing with low-frequency vibrations.
Mine are new, though.
Are there perhaps different ones?

Hello,


If the handbrake cables are not properly adjusted (too loose), they will rub against the anchor plates.


Greetings.

Mati.

Hello,

And that's why you get that loud squealing noise when you brake?
I hadn't thought of that possibility yet. However, it might work, since I loosened the cables a bit after replacing the pads.
So, are the cables supposed to keep the brake slightly engaged, providing some tension?
Thanks for the tip, I'll adjust the cables this weekend.

Hello,

I've tightened the cable tension a bit more, but it's still squeaking.
With a few strong braking maneuvers, I was able to reduce the squealing, but it's not completely gone yet.
Does anyone else have any ideas?

Then it's probably really the pads.
Did you install accessories or original parts?



Greetings.

Mati.

Hello,

The brake pads are from VW.
Part number: 1H0 698 520.
During assembly, I noticed that the new linings had a much lighter color than the previous ones, which were considerably darker.
If it's really the tires, why is only one side having problems?

Hello,

Hey, did you also replace the brake drum??? You're only talking about the wheel bearings! Personally, I always replace the drum as well when the bearings are worn out. It's usually pretty worn anyway, and I think that's probably the reason for the squealing in your case.

Best regards, Robert.