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I bought a used Honda Stream 2002 model about 10 years ago and ever since I have had it, it has had squeaky brakes. When I first bought it, the used car salesman said it was due to having new brakes fitted. Since then, the brakes have been changed every few years and each time I have mentioned the squeaky brakes the mechanic says they couldn't hear the sound when drive tested, but they did find a lot of dust in the brake system which they presume must be causing the sound and has since been fixed.

Indeed, whenever the brakes are replaced the sound does go away for a few months but then returns to remain like that for a few years till the brakes are replaced again. The sound is not unlike the cry of a seagull. I figure, whatever is causing the sound (and dust?) is permanently on the car and not a part that is replaced when the brakes are replaced.

I also note that sometimes when braking, the brakes don't smoothly apply but feel like they 'grip' harder when the car's velocity slows to some threshold as if they are slipping less, even though I'm not pushing the brake pedal any harder.

Any idea on the cause or cure for this? I hate the seagull sound and figure it's a symptom of an bigger problem.

Hi there,
Have the brake discs and/or drums ever been replaced at the same time?
There are a few things that can affect brakes. The type/ quality of the disc and brake pad used. The continued application of anti squeal compound in combination with cutting an edge into the brake pad material to stop noise.
Brake fluid changing and checking that the brake calliper pistons and slides are not seized- move freely - should be checked every time pads are replaced.