What Causes Squeaking Noises from Car Wheels?

[VanStella]

Car wheels produce abnormal noises for the following reasons: Swing Arm Ball Joint: If the lower swing arm ball joint is loose with excessive clearance, abnormal noises will occur when the car bumps. Aging Plastic Components: If the stabilizer bar bushings are loose with excessive clearance, abnormal noises will also be produced. Damaged Shock Absorber: A damaged shock absorber can also cause abnormal noises when the car passes over uneven roads. Although shock absorbers have a relatively long service life, they are still a vulnerable part of the car. If the driving environment is poor or the car is frequently driven aggressively, damage or oil leakage is inevitable. If the buffer rubber has aged, replacing the rubber is sufficient. If the shock absorber is damaged or leaking, the shock absorber needs to be replaced.

[LucyAnn]

Last time my car had this kind of squeaking noise too, it was extremely annoying like a mouse chirping. Upon inspection, I found out it was because the brake pads had worn thin, and the metal warning tab on the back plate was rubbing against the brake disc, causing the noise. When I replaced the new brake pads later, the mechanic said the brake disc had even developed grooves. Besides this common cause, I've also experienced small stones stuck in the tire treads, making a tapping sound while driving. If the noise only occurs when turning, it might be due to insufficient lubrication or looseness in the wheel hub bearing. After the rainy season, it's particularly common to have brief strange noises, which usually aren't a big concern—they'll go away after driving for a while once the brake pads dry. But if the noise persists after some driving, it's still necessary to check the suspension bushings and other components on a lift. For safety's sake, don't delay getting it checked.

[EloiseFitz]

Last week when I took my wife's car for maintenance, I encountered this exact issue. The mechanic showed me clearly: The most common cause is the brake pad wear indicator squealing - use a phone flashlight to check through the wheel hub gap, replace if thinner than 3mm. Second possibility is wheel bearing wear - drive above 40km/h with windows closed, continuous humming noise likely indicates this. Also saw cases where rusted brake disc edges rubbed against fender liners (only squeaks when turning). The easiest fix is removing small stones stuck in tire treads with a screwdriver. My colleague ignored the noise for too long until the bearing seized, costing an extra 500 yuan in towing fees.

[PenelopeRose]

Squeaking sounds should be addressed case by case: The most common is brake pad wear indicators, where raised tabs on worn pads scrape against the rotor. Brief squealing after rain is normal - just let the brake pads dry out. If the sound occurs once per wheel revolution, check for foreign objects; if twice per revolution, inspect the wheel bearing. Squeaking during turns warrants examination of suspension ball joints and steering tie rod rubber boots. For DIY troubleshooting, start by removing stones lodged in tire treads, then check if fender liners are deformed and rubbing. After jacking up the wheel, grab the tire and shake it vertically/horizontally - any play indicates loose bearings requiring tightening. Never compromise on brake-related components.

[VonVivienne]

Having worked in car repairs for over a decade, this is the most common issue I've dealt with. The simplest solution for stuck stones is to check the tire surface for foreign objects. There are mainly three concerning scenarios: first, when brake pads wear down to their limit, the metal warning tabs create a sharp, screeching sound; second, if the wheel hub bearing fails, driving at speed produces a noise resembling an airplane taking off; third, when suspension ball joints are worn out, you'll hear a clunking sound on bumpy roads. The most deceptive is the rust layer on new car brake discs, which disappears after a few hundred kilometers of driving. It's advisable to first identify whether the noise comes from the front or rear wheels. Listen for sounds while turning the steering wheel stationary; if the noise occurs during turns, focus on checking the suspension. Never overlook safety components.