How to Deal with Abnormal Noise from Brake Pads?
4 Answers
Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. Here are the solutions for abnormal noises from brake pads: 1. When the brake pads produce a muffled noise, immediately check the brake caliper for wear on the moving pins or detachment of the spring plates. Replace them immediately if any issues are found. 2. If the brake pads produce a continuous squealing noise, it may be due to improper break-in between the caliper, brake disc, and brake pads. First, check for any dragging brakes, then inspect for foreign objects between the pads and disc. If the pads are new, the noise should subside after proper break-in with the friction material. 3. When the brake pads emit a sharp screeching noise, first inspect the brake pads to see if they are worn out or if there are any foreign objects. If the pads are worn out, replace them immediately. If there are foreign objects, remove the pads, extract the debris, and reinstall them. 4. If the brake pads make a rattling noise, check for any loose attachments on the pads. The best solution is to re-tighten or replace the brake pads.
In my repair shop, I see quite a few cases of brake squealing. Most of the time, it's because the brake pads are worn down, and the small metal indicator starts scraping against the brake disc, producing a very noticeable high-pitched metal grinding sound. If the brake pads still have plenty of thickness, there might be small stones or screws stuck in them, so you'll need to remove the wheel and clean it out. Also, check if the brake caliper guide pins are rusted or stuck—I've seen many cars develop noise due to insufficient lubrication. Installation issues shouldn’t be overlooked either. If newly replaced brake pads aren’t chamfered or the brake disc isn’t properly resurfaced, they can squeak when driving. If you still can’t find the cause, it might be due to a deformed shim or a problem with the brake fluid line. Don’t ignore such issues—get them checked early for peace of mind. After all, your life is more important than money.
Last time my old car's brakes kept squeaking loudly when reversing, which was really annoying. I first took off the wheel myself to check the brake pad thickness and found there was still over half a finger's width left - shouldn't have worn out yet. Later I went to a repair shop run by an acquaintance, and the mechanic quickly took it apart to discover a bean-sized stone stuck in the brake pad groove, probably picked up during my last trip to the countryside. The mechanic used tweezers to remove it, applied some anti-squeal paste on the back of the brake pad, and reassembled everything - the noise stopped immediately. Only charged me 50 yuan total, and said if it squeaks again I should consider replacing the pads. Suggest everyone facing similar situations not rush to replace the whole set - first check if there's any foreign object stuck, to avoid wasting money.
From a safety perspective, the severity of brake noise must be emphasized! Especially when hearing squeaking sounds during rainy days or mountain driving, one must be vigilant. I've personally witnessed a neighbor's car experiencing brake failure on the highway due to excessive brake pad wear causing metal fatigue. If the brake disc has been deeply grooved, the stopping distance will significantly increase. The emergency measure is to immediately slow down and drive to a safe area, then turn on the hazard lights to check the brake disc temperature. If a particular wheel's brake disc is unusually hot, it's likely that the caliper hasn't retracted, and continuing to drive may cause a fire. In such cases, a tow truck must be called for repairs—don't risk driving to the repair shop. During monthly maintenance, take an extra look at the brake pad thickness; if it's below 6mm, preparations should be made. Prevention is far more reliable than any remedy.
