What Causes Brake Pad Noise?
3 Answers
Brake pad noise can be caused by: 1. Corrosion of the brake disc or brake pads; 2. New brake pads being installed; 3. Excessive wear on the brake disc or brake pads; 4. Incorrect installation or mismatched model of brake pads; 5. Use of inferior or overly hard brake pads; 6. Abnormal brake caliper or lack of brake fluid; 7. Presence of foreign objects between the brake drum or disc and the pads. Solutions for brake pad noise: 1. Apply butter or specialized lubricant at the connection between the brake pad and the brake caliper; 2. Regularly inspect and replace brake pads; 3. Periodically adjust the brakes; 4. Avoid frequent use of brakes.
As an experienced driver, I've encountered many cases of brake noise. The most common one is when the brake pads wear down to their limit, and the metal wear indicator rubs against the rotor, producing a sharp metallic scraping sound. I remember during my last maintenance, the technician mentioned that sand or gravel in the brake system can also cause squeaking noises, especially after rainy days when the brake rotors rust. Some newly replaced brake pads that are too hard or not properly fitted can also produce vibrations and noise when braking. The most troublesome issue is warped brake rotors – when braking at high speeds, the entire steering wheel shakes. It's advisable to get it checked immediately upon hearing any noise, don't wait until the brakes fail to regret it.
Last time I drove my friend's car, I noticed a clicking sound when stepping on the brakes. He said it was due to lack of lubrication on the brake caliper guide pins. Metal parts grinding dry can cause abnormal noises and may even affect braking performance. In winter, when temperatures drop, brake pad materials harden, and the friction noise with the brake discs also increases. Once, I installed aftermarket brake pads without paying attention to compatibility, resulting in a screeching sound during cold starts. Actually, oil stains on the brake pads can cause this too, possibly from a leaking wheel cylinder or high-pressure water jets during car washing. The safest approach is to have a mechanic inspect the brake system condition during regular maintenance.
