What causes abnormal noise when braking in reverse but normal when moving forward?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise when braking in reverse but normal operation when moving forward may be due to the following reasons: 1. The brake pads have metal hard spots, as there are some small metal particles inside the brake pads, which can cause abnormal noise when lightly braking. In this case, you can stomp on the brakes a few times or remove the brake pads for re-grinding, or replace them with better quality brake pads. 2. The brake pads are severely worn and begin to sound an alarm. Brake pads usually have warning indicators. When the brake pads wear to their limit, the warning indicators will rub against the brake disc, producing sharp metal friction sounds. At this point, it is essential to replace the brake pads promptly to avoid scratching the brake disc and brake failure.
I've repaired quite a few cars before, and it's quite common to hear abnormal noises when braking in reverse but driving forward normally. The main issue lies in the change of force direction in the braking system. When reversing, the wheels rotate in the opposite direction, causing the brake pads to drag against the disc surface. If there is rust or uneven wear on the disc, friction noises are more likely to occur. It could also be due to loose caliper bolts, lack of lubrication in the guide pins, or aging suspension bushings, which can easily resonate and produce sounds when braking in reverse. You can perform a simple check yourself: park in a safe place, lightly press the brake to listen for the source of the noise, and clean any dirt on the wheel surface. But don't push it too far—it's best to have a professional shop diagnose the issue, otherwise braking efficiency may decline or even lead to an accident. By the way, abnormal noises are more frequent in humid weather, so remember to maintain the braking system regularly to extend the lifespan of the parts.
