What Are the Reasons for Abnormal Noise When Braking in a Car?

[Carolyn]

The reasons for abnormal noise when braking in a car are: 1. Corrosion of the brake disc or brake pads; 2. New brake pads; 3. Excessive wear of the brake disc and brake pads; 4. Incorrect installation or mismatched model of brake pads; 5. Use of low-quality 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. Solutions for abnormal noise when braking in a car: 1. Apply butter or special lubricant at the connection between the brake pads and the brake caliper; 2. Regularly inspect and replace the brake pads; 3. Regularly adjust the brakes; 4. Avoid frequent use of the brakes.

[OJordan]

When there is abnormal noise while stepping on the brakes, I think the most common cause is excessive wear of the brake pads. If the pads are too thin, the metal backing plate comes into contact with the brake disc, causing a squeaking sound. As soon as this sound appears, I immediately check the pad thickness. Generally, they should be replaced if they are below 3mm. Otherwise, braking performance will decline, and in emergency situations, delayed response can be dangerous. Additionally, if the noise persists after replacing the brake pads, it might be due to the new pads not being properly bedded in or loose fixing screws. Regular cleaning of the brake system during maintenance can also prevent such noises, especially after driving on muddy roads where dust can easily get stuck inside. Don’t take it lightly—safety comes first.

[DelLogan]

As someone who often tinkers with cars, I've found that most brake noises come from minor issues. For example, rust or scratches on the brake disc surface can cause squeaking, especially after rain when rust sticks to the pads. A simple cleaning can often solve the problem. If the noise persists, it might be due to the pad material—cheaper pads with high iron content tend to vibrate more. I usually disassemble and inspect them, sanding the edges of the pads as a test. If that doesn't work, replacing the pads is the next step to avoid damaging the brake disc. Another common issue is loose caliper bolts, which can be fixed by tightening them. Remember, ignoring brake noises for too long can increase stopping distances and lead to accidents.

[VanMadison]

From a technical perspective, the causes of brake noise are diverse yet logically clear. It primarily stems from inconsistent friction between components: when there are gaps or dirt accumulation between the brake pads and discs, pressing the brakes generates high-frequency vibrations that produce screeching sounds. Excessive wear of brake pads is a common trigger; however, improper installation of new systems, such as angle misalignment, can also cause this. Additionally, insufficient brake fluid may lead to hydraulic failure, indirectly causing abnormal noises. Regular checks on these aspects—measuring pad thickness, cleaning disc surfaces, and checking fluid levels—can prevent major issues. After all, the risk of brake failure is real, and timely maintenance is paramount.