What Causes Brake Pad Noise?

[VonEsther]

During vehicle operation, the causes of brake pad noise are as follows: Use of inferior or overly hard brake pads: If inferior or overly hard brake pads are used, when the brakes are applied, the friction between the brake pads and the brake discs can produce a squeaking sound. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pads and discs: During normal driving, it is inevitable to encounter some complex road conditions. Due to the unique design of disc brakes, some sand and foreign objects may get between the brake pads and discs, which can also cause noise when braking.

[SanAngelo]

Last time I encountered squeaky brakes, I specifically asked the repair shop master. He said common causes are brake pads worn too thin, where the metal warning indicator starts scraping against the brake disc. It could also be poor-quality brake pads containing too many metal particles. Another possibility is after rainy days when the brake disc rusts heavily, causing squeaking noises when first driving. Getting small stones stuck is the most annoying - the sound is particularly harsh. The worst scenario is when the brake caliper doesn't retract properly, causing the wheel to drag and increasing fuel consumption. Now whenever I hear abnormal brake noises, I get it checked immediately - safety is no small matter. I recommend everyone not delay too long - repairs cost just a few hundred yuan, but the losses could be huge if something really goes wrong.

[McKeira]

With over a decade of experience in auto repair, I've encountered various cases of brake noise. Simply put, they can be categorized as follows. First is the issue of brake pad lifespan—when worn to the limit, the warning shim produces a sharp and urgent screeching sound. Next are material-related causes; low-quality pads with coarse metal particles or semi-metallic pads are most prone to squeaking when cold. Improper installation is also common—insufficient application of anti-squeal paste or loose retaining clips can cause noise. Grooved or scratched rotors will produce persistent rustling sounds, as unpleasant as nails on a chalkboard. During repairs, we always prioritize checking the brake caliper, as a stuck piston causing drag will emit continuous friction noise. I recommend also inspecting the brake fluid condition during checks to eliminate more potential hazards.

[Thalia]

Squeaky brake pads are usually not a serious issue. With 20 years of driving experience, I often hear squeaking sounds during cold starts in the morning, but they disappear after driving a couple of kilometers. The rust-induced friction noise after rain typically fades away on its own within a few days. The sound of a small stone stuck in the brakes is quite distinctive—a clicking noise—and might be resolved by moving the car back and forth a couple of times. However, if you hear a sharp metallic grinding sound, it definitely means the brake pads are worn out and need immediate replacement. Don't panic if new pads occasionally squeak; they usually quiet down after a break-in period of about 100 kilometers. For safety, if the unusual sounds persist for three consecutive days, I always take the car to the repair shop for a check—just for peace of mind.