What Causes Brake Noise After Wading Through Water?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for brake noise after wading through water: 1. Water on brake pads: If the car wades through shallow water and water splashes onto the brake pads, a squealing sound when braking is normal. In this case, just drive normally until the water on the brake pads dries up. 2. Foreign objects on brake pads: If the car wades through deep water, foreign objects such as plastic bags, paper, or mud mixed with water may get stuck on the brake pads, causing noise when braking. 3. Water ingestion in the exhaust pipe: If the car wades through deep water and water enters the engine through the exhaust pipe, it can prevent the fuel and air mixture from burning properly, leading to noise. In this situation, the car should be moved out immediately, and the engine should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid engine failure. Severe cases may even cause the engine to be completely damaged. If the car stalls in a waterlogged area, do not attempt to restart it. Instead, call a tow truck to pull it out to prevent further damage to the engine. 4. Foreign objects stuck in the chassis: If the car picks up foreign objects in the chassis after passing through a waterlogged area, it may also cause noise while driving.
After driving through water, the brakes make abnormal noises. I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered this issue several times. Typically, when water splashes onto the brake discs and pads, the metal surfaces can rust or form a thin water film. When you apply the brakes, the friction against these rust spots or water layers produces a squeaking sound, somewhat like sandpaper rubbing together. Usually, the noise disappears after driving a short distance, as the brake friction wears off the rust. However, if the sound persists even after stopping, it might indicate severely worn brake pads or small debris like stones or sand stuck in them. Once after rain, I heard an abnormal noise and found it was caused by muddy water accumulated at the edge of the brake disc. After driving through water, it's best to lightly apply the brakes a few times to dry out the system. Regular maintenance can also prevent this issue from worsening.
After driving through water, if the brakes make unusual noises, my first concern is safety. Moisture is likely the main culprit—water entering the brake system can cause the discs to rust or form a water film, leading to noise during friction, which is actually a sign of potential reduced braking performance. On wet or slippery roads, brake response may be delayed, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend testing the braking distance immediately after rain to ensure the brakes feel normal. If the noise persists, the brake pads may be contaminated or worn due to water exposure and require professional inspection. After rainy days, try to avoid leaving the car in water for extended periods. Before driving, test the brakes a few times to see if the noise subsides—this can help minimize unexpected risks.
After wading through water, the brakes keep making noise. As a young car owner, from daily experience, it's probably due to moisture. Water causes the brake discs to rust, and they squeak when rubbing. After driving for a few minutes, the rust wears off, and the noise disappears. However, if the noise persists, I suspect there might be dust or sand on the brake pads, or the parts may have aged and need replacement. You can take a quick look yourself, but if you're not familiar with car repairs, it's best to ask a mechanic friend to check it out. To prevent this, drive slowly when going through water and avoid splashing too much water onto the brakes.
