The squeal propensity of an automotive disc brake system is studied in the theoretical and computational manner. The rotating disc is in contact with two stationary pads and the nonlinear friction is engaged on the contact surface. The friction-coupled equations of motion are derived in the finite element(FE) of the actual brake disc and pad. From the general definition of friction force, the rotation and in-plane mode effects can be included properly in the brake squeal model. The eigenvalue sensitivity analysis and the mode shape visualization at squeal frequencies are also conducted for the detailed investigation. It is found that the squeal propensity is strongly influenced by rotation effect and the in-plane mode can be involved in squeal generation.