What are the causes of brake noise?
3 Answers
Brake noise can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Metal hard spots on brake pads: If there are tiny metal particles on the brake pads, they will produce a sharp noise when braking. You can try slamming the brakes a few times or grinding and replacing the brake pads. 2. Severe wear on brake discs: After prolonged use, deep grooves will form on the brake discs where the brake pads make contact, causing noise when braking. If the grooves are not deep, they can be resolved by grinding the edges of the brake pads. If the grooves are deep, the brake discs must be replaced. 3. Foreign objects: Foreign objects can cause misalignment of the contact surfaces, leading to noise.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered many cases of brake noise. Last week when I stepped on the brakes, there was a squeaking sound that startled me, so I went for an inspection immediately. The cause might be that the brake pads were worn too thin, touching the warning metal piece and making noise; or there could be dust or small stones stuck between the brake disc and pads, causing friction noise. Rust on the brake discs after driving through water or rain is also a common factor—the sound usually disappears after a few initial stops, but frequent occurrences should be noted. New cars during the break-in period might also produce slight noises. The most dangerous scenario is improperly installed or low-quality brake pads, as poor materials can lead to constant noise. I recommend not delaying and going to a repair shop for diagnosis, as delayed action might reduce braking effectiveness and endanger safety. During inspection, simply check if the brake pads have at least 3mm thickness and clean out any debris to prevent major issues.
As a car enthusiast, I'm very sensitive to brake noises. Common causes include squeaking from the warning indicators on brake pads making contact; insufficient lubrication of calipers or pins leading to dry friction sounds; uneven or grooved brake rotor surfaces causing noise with each brake application; new brake pads needing time to settle in during the break-in period; initial noises from rust after driving through water. Foreign objects like trapped sand can also cause sounds. I've tried DIY inspections: using a mirror to check if brake pad thickness is below 3mm, lubricating pins with high-temperature specific grease (avoiding regular oil). If the noise is sharp or persistent, it might indicate material or installation issues, signaling it's time for replacement parts. Regular brake system cleaning is crucial to reduce dust buildup and enhance longevity and safety.
