What causes the abnormal noise in GLC?
2 Answers
The reason for the abnormal noise in GLC is excessive wear of the brake pads, causing metal-to-metal contact and resulting in noise. Brake pads can be classified into 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. Semi-metallic brake pads are the standard type used in most vehicles upon factory release, and they are also the most economical option. These brake pads have a relatively low friction coefficient, typically around 0.38, and a shorter lifespan. Some manufacturers produce these pads with a higher friction coefficient, but this often comes with the drawback of increased noise. Low-metallic brake pads are slightly more expensive than semi-metallic ones and offer better performance. This type of brake pad is considered mid-range but is not widely recognized by consumers, despite its high cost-performance ratio. Ceramic brake pads vs. traditional brake pads: Traditional brake pads primarily use metal as the friction material, providing strong braking force but with higher wear and a tendency to produce noise. After installing ceramic brake pads, no abnormal noise (such as screeching) occurs during normal driving. Since ceramic brake pads do not contain metal components, they avoid the metal-on-metal screeching noise typical of traditional metal brake pads when rubbing against the brake disc.
I've been driving for over a decade and have used a Mercedes-Benz GLC. This kind of abnormal noise is quite common. It's mostly due to suspension system issues, such as loose shock absorbers or aging lower control arm bushings, which cause clunking sounds when driving on bumpy roads. First, find a quiet road and drive slowly to locate the source of the noise. If it's coming from the front wheels, it could be due to worn bearings or loose brake pads. If it's from the rear, it might be movable parts in the trunk. Once, during my own inspection, I found that a screw wasn't tightened properly, and using a wrench to secure it fixed the issue. However, when it comes to safety-related components, it's best not to DIY. Just take it to a 4S shop for professional diagnosis to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to the condition of the chassis components to prevent many noise-related troubles.
