What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Braking a Car?
2 Answers
There are many reasons why a car makes a clunking noise when braking. Below are the relevant causes: 1. Cracked rubber bushings in the chassis. The car chassis consists of many components, such as cracked lower control arm bushings or aged shock absorber rubber pads, which can cause shaking and abnormal noise when braking. Rubber parts tend to age over time with use. 2. ABS system malfunction. ABS is the anti-lock braking system of a car, which usually operates during emergency braking. Under normal light braking, the tires do not lock up, so the ABS does not engage. When the ABS is working, you may feel a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal. 3. Brake system malfunction. It could be due to a stuck brake caliper that fails to retract, causing abnormal noise every time the brakes are applied.
After years of driving, I’ve encountered brake squealing several times, usually caused by uneven wear of brake pads or dust and debris getting between the disc and pads, leading to a squeaking sound. In humid weather, rust on the discs can also cause noise when braking, especially noticeable during cold starts. Additionally, if the brake discs have scratches or warping, uneven friction points will produce noise. Don’t underestimate this issue—last time, I nearly had an accident on the highway because I didn’t address it promptly. For safety, regularly check the thickness of your brake pads; replace them immediately if they’re under 4mm. Remember to clean wheel hub dust to reduce the risk of foreign objects. Warming up the car before driving can minimize rust-related noise for peace of mind. In short, address persistent noises quickly—don’t delay. The most reliable approach is maintaining regular brake system maintenance.
