What Are the Causes of Brake Noise?
2 Answers
The causes of brake noise are: 1. Rust on brake discs or brake pads; 2. New brake pads; 3. Excessive wear of brake discs and brake pads; 4. Incorrect installation or mismatched model of brake pads; 5. Use of inferior or overly hard brake pads; 6. Abnormal brake caliper or lack of brake fluid; 7. Presence of foreign objects between the brake drum or disc and the pads. The solutions for brake noise are: 1. Apply butter or specialized lubricant at the connection between the brake pads and the brake caliper; 2. Regularly inspect and replace brake pads; 3. Periodically adjust the brakes; 4. Avoid frequent use of brakes.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I often encounter squeaking noises when braking. The most common cause is excessively worn brake pads. When the pads become too thin and rub against the discs, they produce noise—especially in city driving with frequent stops and starts, which accelerates wear. Rust on brake discs after rain is another major culprit. A few firm brake applications can usually clear light rust, but prolonged rainy periods lead to heavier rust buildup and more piercing squeals. Additionally, don’t overlook dust or small stones trapped in the brake pads. A few days of driving on muddy rural roads can accumulate debris in the wheel gaps, but a simple wash often resolves it. I recommend checking brake pad thickness every few thousand kilometers; replace them if they’re under 3mm. Avoid harsh braking in daily driving to minimize wear. Never dismiss these noises—my neighbor ignored them, leading to brake failure and a collision with a wall. Such safety risks are serious, but vigilance can prevent them.
