What Are the Reasons for Abnormal Noises When Braking?
3 Answers
The reasons for squeaking noises when braking are as follows: 1. Use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads: If low-quality or overly hard brake pads are used, they will produce a squeaking sound when rubbing against the brake disc during braking. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. 2. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pads and brake disc: During normal driving, it is inevitable to encounter complex road conditions. Due to the unique design of disc brakes, some sand or foreign objects may get between the brake pads and the brake disc, leading to abnormal noises during braking. 3. Severe wear of the brake disc: Using low-quality brake pads or having hard foreign objects between the brake pads and the brake disc can cause abnormal wear of the brake disc. If the brake disc is excessively worn, it will also produce a squeaking sound when braking.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, I always heard a sharp squeaking sound when stepping on the brakes. Later, I figured out there were quite a few reasons for it. The most common one is when the brake pads wear thin, exposing the metal edges that scrape against the rotor, creating noise. Or, the brake rotor might be rusty or have dirt stuck to it, especially after rain or prolonged parking. Another possibility is small stones or debris stuck in the brake pads, causing continuous noise during friction. Once, while driving on a mountain road, the noise persisted for a long time until I pulled over and saw the rotor covered in mud—washing it off fixed the issue. It's advisable to regularly check the thickness of the brake system and not wait until it's completely worn out, as failure could compromise safety. Ideally, have a mechanic inspect it every 5,000 kilometers to avoid costly major repairs.
As a frequent driver, I've encountered brake noise multiple times. The root cause is often the material of the brake pads—hard pads tend to produce louder friction sounds at low temperatures. Uneven brake discs or scratches can also cause inconsistent friction and frequent noise. Insufficient lubrication of the brake caliper or loose brackets can lead to shaking and noise. Newly installed brake pads may squeak for a while if the surface coating isn't properly worn in. When modifying the braking system, mismatched parts are more prone to noise. Another key point is that the brake wear indicator will intentionally make noise when worn to its limit, reminding you to replace it—don't ignore it. Weather has a big impact; moisture can make the discs and pads sticky, causing noise at startup that disappears after driving for a while. In short, whenever brake noise occurs, you should identify the source promptly—don't wait for a minor issue to escalate and affect driving safety.