What Causes Friction Noise Without Braking?
2 Answers
The following are specific reasons for friction noise without braking: 1. Excessive wear of brake pads. When the brake pads are too thin, the metal is exposed, causing the sensor on the brake pads to be worn off and trigger an alarm. The friction between the metal part of the brake pad and the brake disc will produce noise. It is recommended to replace the brake pads and check if the brake disc thickness meets the requirements. 2. Sand or stones between the brake disc and brake pad. This usually happens after the vehicle has driven through water, where mud or sand gets stuck in the gaps. Since the temperature between the brake pad and brake disc can reach 800-1200 degrees during friction, the brake pad becomes soft, allowing small stones to embed into it easily, producing a sharp friction sound. 3. Brake drag. If the brake piston fails to retract properly after braking, the brake pad remains in a braking state, which can cause abnormal noise even during high-speed driving. 4. Abnormal wear of the brake disc or brake pad. The brake disc may become deformed, cracked, dented, or raised due to external forces, while irregular wear of the brake pad can cause uneven surfaces.
I've had a similar experience while driving, where it felt like the wheels were making squeaking sounds, especially during acceleration or turning. That time, after checking, I found out it was due to slightly uneven brake pads, probably caused by minor sticking from lack of maintenance over time. Additionally, if the wheel bearings get rusted from water ingress, they can also make such noises, particularly after humid weather. I've also heard that loose ball joints or tie rods in the suspension system can cause friction noises. It's best not to delay, as these sounds can easily worsen and affect braking performance. You can start with a visual inspection of the brake discs and rims for any foreign objects or signs of wear, but if you don't have the tools, the safest option is to drive directly to a nearby repair shop for a check-up. They can use professional equipment to diagnose the issue, and spending a little money to fix it can save a lot of hassle and prevent accidents. Regular maintenance is really important; checking the brake components monthly can prevent such problems, so don't wait until the noise becomes severe to address it.
