What are the causes of brake noise in Audi Q5?
3 Answers
Audi Q5 brake noise can be attributed to the following 5 reasons: 1. Normal ABS activation, which is a normal phenomenon: The ABS working process is actually a cycle of locking-releasing-locking-releasing, keeping the vehicle in a state of near-lock rolling. When the ABS is activated by braking, noise may occur, which is normal. In this case, simply press the brake pedal firmly to the bottom. 2. Rust on brake pads or brake discs: After prolonged parking, especially in humid weather or after rain, some rust or dirt may appear on the brake discs or pads. Driving for a while or applying butter or special lubricant at the connection between the brake pad and caliper can help. 3. Break-in period for new brake pads and discs: For new cars or newly replaced brake pads, the new pads and discs require a break-in period. When braking, such noise may occur, which is normal. 4. Excessive wear of brake discs and pads: Both brake discs and pads are high-wear items. Each braking causes friction between these two components, leading to wear over time. When excessively worn, noise may occur, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary. 5. Incorrect installation: Installing brake pads backwards or using mismatched models can also cause brake noise.
My Audi Q5 has been running for over three years, and the brake squeaking issue has bothered me several times. The main causes are the brake pad material or surface rust, especially common after humid weather when starting up. I personally experienced removing the brake pads to clean off dust and edge rust, and the noise disappeared immediately. Another time, there was oil contamination on the rotor, and spraying brake cleaner fixed it. Don’t ignore excessively worn brake pads—they’ll produce a sharp squeal, indicating it’s time for a replacement. Brief squeaking during cold starts is normal, but if it happens frequently, check for insufficient caliper lubrication or improper installation. I recommend having a technician inspect the braking system during regular maintenance—otherwise, small issues can escalate into costly repairs. The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV, and its brake components are quite sensitive, so proper maintenance is essential.
As an Audi Q5 owner, I place great importance on driving safety, and brake noise should never be ignored. It usually stems from foreign objects or dust accumulation on the brake discs, causing a squeaking sound when braking. It could also be due to uneven brake pad material, leading to abnormal friction. Long-term neglect can accelerate wear, impair braking performance, and even increase the risk of skidding in rainy conditions. I’ve encountered several instances where the noise worsened after rain, later discovering it was due to poor caliper retraction or insufficient lubrication. I recommend immediately visiting a professional shop to check if a fuse is blown or if there’s a relay malfunction, as these can indirectly cause noise. High-end cars like Audi have intricate brake systems, and regular cleaning can prevent major issues. Remember, even minor noises are a matter of life and death—don’t delay.
