What Causes Friction Noise When Braking?
3 Answers
Friction noise when braking can be attributed to several common causes, including noise from new cars, brake disc and pad noise, and sudden braking noise. Noise when braking in a new car: The brake pads and discs of a new car have not yet fully worn in, so they may sometimes produce a "squeaking" friction sound, which is normal. After driving for some time, the noise will naturally disappear. Noise after replacing brake pads: After installing new brake pads, incorrect installation can cause noise. Common installation errors include installing the brake pads upside down, with the metal side facing the brake disc, leading to braking noise. Noise due to brake disc issues: Prolonged use can cause deep grooves on the brake disc surface or deep steps on the edges. Uneven contact between the brake pads and the disc can produce noise. In this case, the brake disc needs to be replaced or polished using a brake disc resurfacing machine. Noise from sand in the brake disc: If foreign objects like sand or small stones get between the brake pads and disc while driving, the brakes may produce a harsh hissing sound. Continuing to drive normally will usually dislodge the debris, eliminating the noise. If the noise persists, the wheel may need to be removed to extract the foreign object. Noise during sudden braking: When braking suddenly, if you hear abnormal braking noise and feel vibrations in the brake pedal, this is a normal phenomenon caused by the activation of the ABS system.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered many cases of brake noise. The most common is when the brake pads are nearly worn out, and the metal wear indicator produces a sharp metallic scraping sound, which is particularly piercing. If you hear a 'squeak' after rain or when starting after the car has been parked for a while, it's usually due to rust on the brake rotors, and a few hard brakes will clear it. Sometimes, small stones get stuck between the brake pads, causing a 'clicking' noise, and you might feel slight wheel vibration when reversing. Once, my car made a 'grinding' sound when braking, and it turned out the brake rotor had developed grooves. Remember, if the steering wheel shakes when you brake, it's likely due to warped brake rotors, and you should address it immediately.
Last time I checked my neighbor's hot hatch, it always made a 'squeak' sound when lightly braking. Lifting the wheel revealed both brake pads and discs shining from excessive wear causing metal-on-metal friction. If the noise persists after replacing the brake pads, it might be due to improperly installed shims or insufficient anti-vibration grease. Noise is also common after upgrading to big brake calipers due to large component tolerances. Additionally, when brake disc edges develop ridges, they can scrape against the sides of brake pads causing grinding sounds. These issues all require professional tools for diagnosis - you can't fully determine the cause just by listening.