A customer in Toledo told me my brake job was too quiet

I did a full brake job on a 2017 F-150 last week, new pads and rotors all around. The customer came back two days later and said, "These new brakes don't make any noise, are you sure they're on right?" He was used to a slight squeal from his old worn pads and thought quiet meant something was wrong. I realized I never explained that new, properly bedded-in brakes should be quiet. Now I make a point to tell every customer that quiet operation is the goal and to expect it. Has anyone else had to explain that a lack of noise is actually a good thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

ericb662mo ago

Wait, he thought QUIET brakes were a PROBLEM? That's a new one for me.

charlie_allen2mo ago

Lol @ericb66 right? That's like complaining your new tires have too much tread. Dude got so used to the warning sounds he thought they were a feature. I've had people ask if the slight brake dust is a problem, but never the quiet. It's wild what becomes normal to someone. You did the right thing spelling it out for folks now. Guess we gotta add "should not sound like a dying animal" to the job description.

vera_lewis1mo ago

Right? That's like bringing your car back to the mechanic because the check engine light isn't on anymore. You want them to keep their annoying musical talents to themselves, my dude. Probably woulda been happier if you just filed a few grooves into the new pads so they'd sing him a little song on the way to work. Next thing you know people will be asking for their old oil back because the new stuff looks too clean. Some folks just gotta earn that noise like a badge of honor or something.