What Causes Rust and Clicking Sounds on Brake Pads?

[ChloeMarie]

Rust and clicking sounds on brake pads are caused by slight rust on the brake discs. If there is only minor surface rust, it can be removed by continuous braking while driving, and no special treatment is needed, as the slight rust on the brake discs will be worn away by braking during normal vehicle operation. Below is relevant information about brake pads: Types of brake pads: Asbestos brake pads (mostly obsolete), semi-metallic brake pads, low-metallic brake pads, NAO formula brake pads, ceramic brake pads, and NAO ceramic brake pads. Ceramic vs. traditional brake pads: In traditional brake pads, metal is the primary material generating friction, providing strong braking force but with higher wear and noise. After installing ceramic brake pads, abnormal noises (such as squealing) do not occur during normal driving. Since ceramic brake pads contain no metal components, they avoid the metal-on-metal friction noise between traditional metal brake pads and their counterparts (i.e., brake pads and discs).

[DiAlivia]

I just experienced this situation. After parking the car in the rain, the brake pads rusted, and there was a clunking sound when starting. A friend said it was due to oxidation of the metal parts, and the uneven friction caused by rust layers where rainwater accumulated near the wheels. Driving a few kilometers while lightly applying the brakes can remove most of the rust, and the sound will disappear. But if the noise persists, be cautious about excessively worn brake pads or foreign objects stuck in the caliper. I ignored it last year and almost had an accident. Since then, I've been regularly maintaining and checking the brake thickness to ensure it's within the safe limit. For prevention, park in a garage or dry place, avoiding areas with standing water. After rain or snow, dry the bottom of the wheels. Safety first—don't dismiss small noises as trivial. If necessary, have a professional shop take a look.

[LeAllison]

As someone who repairs cars year-round, I find brake pad rust and clunking noises quite common. After parking in a humid environment overnight, iron components rust and produce abnormal sounds when rubbing against the discs upon startup. Normally, lightly pressing the brakes a few times can resolve the issue. If it recurs frequently, check for insufficient brake pad thickness or contamination. It's advisable to inspect wheel conditions before driving after rain and maintain a dry storage environment, such as wiping off rainwater with a cloth. During regular maintenance, measure brake pad thickness to prevent excessive wear—early replacement saves money. Don't ignore the noises; safe driving relies on attention to detail.

[DiAxel]

Using my small car to pick up and drop off kids, I've also experienced brake rust noises. The main cause is rust after parking in the rain, with initial clunking sounds being common—light braking usually wears it off. However, persistent noises shouldn't be ignored, such as when brake pads are overly worn and need replacement. Saving money means maintaining early. I park under a carport to reduce rain exposure and wipe nearby water stains after the rainy season. Safety first—these minor issues shouldn't be delayed.

[LauraLynn]

In principle, the creaking sound from rusty brake pads is caused by uneven friction of the oxide layer; humid environments easily lead to rust, resulting in noise during startup. Normal driving with light braking can wear off the rust and eliminate the noise. However, if the sound persists, check if the brake pads are worn thin or if foreign objects are stuck. Prevention involves optimizing parking to reduce water accumulation. Regular visual inspections of brake conditions ensure safety.