What Causes Squeaky Brakes in Sedans?

[Joy]

Reasons for squeaky brakes in sedans are as follows: 1. New brake pads: New cars or recently replaced brake pads may produce similar noises. New brake pads and rotors require a break-in period, during which such noises are completely normal. However, if the noise persists after extended use, it indicates an issue. 2. Metal particles in brake pads: Factory-installed semi-metallic or non-full metallic brake pads may develop unevenly distributed high-hardness metal particles when worn to a certain extent. These particles can cause noise when braking and may adversely affect the brake rotors. Replacing with higher-quality brake pads can resolve the issue immediately. 3. Excessive wear of brake rotors and pads: Both components are high-wear items that experience friction during each brake application. Over time, wear occurs naturally, and excessive wear leads to noise. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary. Typically, brake pads should be replaced every 60,000-80,000 kilometers, while rotors last 100,000-120,000 kilometers. 4. Warped brake rotors: Warped rotors are another cause of brake noise. A simple way to check for warping is to observe if the car vibrates along with the noise when braking, which often indicates rotor warping.

[LeLucille]

After driving for so many years, I've encountered brake noise issues several times. I remember one rainy morning when the squeaking sound was particularly loud when I applied the brakes. The mechanic later explained that the main cause was rust on the brake disc surface—metal oxidation in humid weather rubbing against the brake pads, like a saw scraping against metal, creating an extremely harsh noise. Another time, the brake pads were completely worn out, and the warning shim directly scraped against the brake disc, producing a continuous screech. New brake pads can also make noise during the initial few hundred kilometers of the break-in period, which is normal. Additionally, small stones or dust getting stuck in the brake gaps can cause temporary noise, which might be thrown off automatically during highway driving. However, this shouldn't be taken lightly. If the noise persists and the braking distance increases, it indicates reduced braking performance, posing a safety risk. I must emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, such as checking brake pad thickness monthly and lightly pressing the brakes a few times after rain to remove rust before driving. It's best to promptly visit a professional shop for inspection and repairs to avoid potential accidents.

[CatherineLynn]

My sedan had a strange noise from the brakes a few days ago, a squeaking sound like sandpaper rubbing. After checking some information, the abnormal noise might be due to excessively worn brake pads—when the thin metal contacts the rotor, it screams. If the brake discs have scratches or unevenness, they can also cause continuous noise; rust spots on the discs after rain are a common cause, which can usually be eliminated by braking a few times. Installation issues are another trigger, such as misaligned pads or stuck calipers, leading to constant friction. Minor noises during the initial few hundred kilometers of breaking in new brake pads are also normal. Don’t overlook small details, like dust buildup or pebbles stuck in the gaps, which can be flushed out with a high-pressure water spray. Safety comes first—if the noise becomes loud or the brakes feel soft, immediately seek a technician for repairs. Regular maintenance, such as checking the brakes during oil changes, can effectively prevent these issues.

[LeBrayden]

The brakes suddenly squealed while driving, which gave me a fright. There are several main reasons: the brake pads are severely worn, thin enough for the wear indicator to scrape the rotor; the brake disc is rusted or damaged; a small stone is stuck causing friction noise; or new brake pads are in the break-in period. The solution is simple—first, check the pad thickness and listen to the type of sound. If the squealing persists, don’t wait; head to the repair shop immediately to check the caliper function, as it might be stuck and not retracting. Regular maintenance, like rinsing the brake discs during car washes, can reduce rust buildup. Safety comes first—if unusual noises affect braking, take it seriously.