What Causes Brake Noise at Low Speeds?
2 Answers
There are several main reasons why brakes may produce abnormal noises during low-speed driving: 1. Brake pad break-in: New cars or newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period for optimal performance. 2. Foreign particles: Sometimes small particles like sand can get between the brake pads and rotors, causing noise due to friction. This usually doesn't require repair - driving for a while can help dislodge these particles. 3. Brake system malfunction: If the noise is accompanied by brake failure, immediate inspection and repair are needed. Missing or damaged brake rotor mounting screws, or insufficient lubrication can also cause brake noise.
I've encountered the issue of low-speed brake squealing too many times. The most common causes are metal hard spots or small stones stuck in the brake pads, which create a squeaking sound when braking. Rust on brake rotors also frequently causes this, especially after parking for several days in rainy weather - the friction against the rust layer produces noise. Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of about 200 kilometers, during which some squeaking is normal. If the abnormal noise persists for several weeks, it's necessary to check the brake pad thickness - if worn down below 3mm, they must be replaced immediately, otherwise the metal backing plate will directly grind against the rotor, which is dangerous. Lack of lubrication in the brake caliper slide pins can also cause squealing, requiring professional disassembly for inspection. There's also a less common possibility - if the wheel hub bearing is damaged, the wheel vibration during braking can produce noise.