What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Braking?
4 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noise when braking include: using inferior or overly hard brake pads, severe wear of the brake disc, and brake pad warning. The details are as follows: Using inferior or overly hard brake pads: If inferior or overly hard brake pads are used, they will produce a squeaking sound when rubbing against the brake disc during braking. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. Severe wear of the brake disc: Using inferior brake pads or having hard foreign objects between the brake pad and the brake disc can cause abnormal wear of the brake disc. If the brake disc is excessively worn, it will also produce a squeaking sound when braking. Brake pad warning: There is no strict rule on how many kilometers brake pads should be replaced; they should be replaced once they become thin. Some brake pads have electronic warnings, while some low-end cars use warning strips. If the wear of the brake pads reaches the warning line, a squeaking alarm sound will be emitted, indicating that they should be replaced promptly.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered brake squealing issues many times. The most common cause is worn-out brake pads where the metal backing plate scrapes against the rotor. Another possibility is rust or unevenness on the brake discs - driving on gravel roads can make it worse when small stones get lodged in. Loose brake calipers or dried-up lubricant can also create strange noises. Safety comes first - if the noise persists, don't delay getting it checked at a professional shop, or you risk sudden brake failure. Occasional squeaking during humid weather or cold starts is normal, but persistent noise requires attention. I personally inspect my brake system every six months, replacing parts promptly. Good driving habits extend component life and save money - this isn't something to take lightly.
I've been driving to work for years, and the sudden squeaking from the brakes gave me a scare. It could be that the brake pads are worn out or there's dirt stuck in them, like too much dust getting into the system, causing a squealing noise when braking. It's more noticeable if you've driven through mud or left the car parked for a long time, leading to rust. Light squeaking doesn't affect driving, but if it persists, it needs to be addressed—otherwise, it can impact braking performance and increase fuel consumption. I suggest first checking the brake pad thickness yourself; use a toothpick to measure the remaining thickness. If there's enough left, it's not urgent; otherwise, a quick visit to the repair shop will sort it out easily. Avoiding sudden braking in daily driving can reduce wear, and keeping the garage clean helps prevent rust. Safety comes first—if the noise keeps happening, don't hesitate to get it checked to avoid any accidents on the road that could leave you frustrated.
I think there are quite a few reasons for abnormal noises. Worn brake pads that are too thin can scrape against the disc and make noise, and newly installed brakes might also produce sounds if not properly broken in. Or, if the brake disc has scratches and isn't smooth, rust noises after driving in the rain are more common. Small foreign objects like sand can cause a ticking sound—don't ignore it. The solution is to clean and inspect regularly, and replace parts if the noise persists to avoid major repairs. Simple maintenance can save trouble and money.
