Squeaking Sound When Lightly Pressing the Brakes?
3 Answers
The causes of squeaking sounds when lightly pressing the brakes include: installation of new brake pads; presence of small stones or sand between the brake disc and brake pads; or water between the brake pads and brake disc. Here are the solutions for addressing squeaking sounds when braking: 1. Worn or stuck release bearing, loose wear on the release lever pin and pin hole, or loose wear on the drive pin and pin hole; 2. When diagnosing clutch sounds, lightly press the clutch pedal to bring the release bearing into contact with the release lever. The sound from the release bearing may be due to lack of lubrication, looseness, or damage to the bearing; 3. Continuously press and release the clutch pedal. When the clutch is engaged or disengaged, assess the severity of the sound separately. Possible causes include loose wear on the release lever pin hole and support pin, loose rivets on the driven disc assembly, or failure of the vibration damper.
I've been driving for many years and noticed a slight squeaking sound when lightly pressing the brakes. It's mostly due to rust on the brake discs, especially after rain or when the car hasn't been driven for a long time. The disc surface oxidizes and forms rust, causing a friction noise when braking. It's annoying but usually goes away after driving for a while as the rust wears off. Sometimes, the brake pads wear unevenly or get small stones or debris stuck in them, which can also cause noise. It's important to check the thickness of the pads. If they're too thin and you continue using them, they might damage the brake discs, leading to higher repair costs in the long run. That's what happened to me last time—I tried to save money by not fixing it, but ended up having to replace the entire brake system, costing me over a thousand dollars. My advice is not to delay. Take your car to a repair shop and let the mechanics check it. They can use professional tools to diagnose the issue, and maybe just replacing a set of new pads will solve the problem. Also, parking in a dry place can help prevent rust.
I feel that the squealing sound often comes from the friction between the brake discs and pads. For example, when new pads are just installed or when old ones become uneven, light braking can cause noise, especially in low temperatures when the materials harden and are more prone to sound. Scratches on the disc surface or dirt stuck to it can also easily cause noise, requiring disassembly to clean the dust. Additionally, if the brake caliper doesn't retract properly, it can cause the pads to stick, leading to unusual sounds, which requires lubrication or adjustment of the components. For DIY solutions, try washing the car and rinsing the rims to clean the dust, or lightly sand the disc surface, but avoid random tinkering to prevent damage. For safety, it's best to take the car to a professional shop for diagnosis. They use measuring tools to check pad thickness and disc flatness to ensure everything is correct. Regular inspection of the car's wheel system components is crucial, especially if you frequently drive on mountain roads and brake often. Early detection can save a lot of trouble.
