Abstract: A finite element model of a double pads-wheel brake system for railway passenger vehicles was established. The squeal and chatter propensity of the brake system was predicted using ABAQUS software. In the model, the direct contact coupling at the wheel/pads interface is applied to obtain normal contact forces, so there is no need to introduce contact springs at the interface. The model takes into account the effects of material properties, friction coefficient, rotational speed of the wheel and the normal force acting on pads. The analysis result shows that the pressure angle between the normal line of pads and horizontal line has a distinct effect on the occurrence of squeal and chatter. When the angle is 5°, the generation propensity of squeal and chatter is largely suppressed. It also demonstrates that the squeal and chatter is more likely to occur with increasing coefficient of friction.