What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Braking?
4 Answers
There are 4 main reasons for abnormal noise during braking: 1. Brake pad quality: Substandard brake pads will produce abnormal sounds during braking while also damaging the brake disc. It's necessary to replace them with genuine brake pads at authorized 4S shops. 2. Foreign objects in brake disc: When driving on complex road conditions, wheels can easily fling stones or other debris. Rocks stuck between brake pads and discs cause noise during braking, requiring prompt removal. 3. Severely worn brake disc: Friction between brake pads and heavily worn discs will also generate abnormal sounds, necessitating immediate disc replacement. 4. Extremely worn brake pads: After prolonged use, brake pads thin out from continuous friction. Excessively thin pads not only reduce braking efficiency but also harden, causing noise during braking - timely replacement is required.
Having driven for over thirty years, the most common causes of brake squealing are either worn-out brake pads or something stuck in them. When brake pads get thin, they squeak to remind you to replace them. Ignoring this can damage the brake rotors, leading to bigger issues. On rainy days, initial squeaking due to rust on the rotors usually goes away after a few brake applications. However, persistent noise might indicate a small stone lodged in the system, which needs immediate removal—safety first, don’t delay. Always check brake component thickness during maintenance to prevent surprises. A friend of mine once ignored this and ended up with soft brakes mid-drive, nearly causing a rear-end collision, so timely repairs are crucial.
If you often work on your car yourself, brake noise is usually due to worn brake pads or dust getting stuck in the gaps. Check the wheels—if the brake pads are less than a centimeter thick, it's time to replace them. New pads are inexpensive and save hassle. Noise can also come from uneven brake discs, which can be smoothed with sandpaper, or low brake fluid—just top it up. For DIY dust cleaning, use compressed air to blow out the gaps and prevent debris buildup. These fixes are simple and save on repair costs, but wear gloves to avoid burns. Regular checks are more cost-effective than dealing with problems later.
Daily commuting and picking up kids, the sudden screeching sound of brakes always gives me a fright. In humid weather, it's common for the brake discs to rust due to moisture in the morning, causing noise that disappears after driving for a while—nothing major. However, if the brakes squeal sharply every day, especially during sudden stops, be cautious as it might indicate the brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan and need replacement to ensure safety. During maintenance, have the mechanic take a quick look at the brake system—don't risk safety for minor issues. Driving should be smooth and worry-free.
