What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Braking Hard to the Bottom?
3 Answers
Abnormal noise when braking hard to the bottom is caused by the running-in period of a new car or the activation of the ABS system. Below are the relevant explanations: Abnormal noise during the running-in period of a new car: Generally, because some new cars have been in stock for a relatively long time, abnormal noise may occur when braking during the running-in period. However, after running-in for more than 200 kilometers, the noise usually becomes less noticeable. Abnormal noise caused by the activation of the ABS system: When the ABS system is activated, it produces noise during operation. If the wheels lock up during emergency braking, the car may lose control, and the driver will be unable to decelerate or control the vehicle's trajectory.
When I first started driving, I often heard a clunking sound during sudden braking, especially on rainy or slippery roads, which was quite frightening. Later, a mechanic friend explained that this is usually the anti-lock braking system (ABS) at work. It rapidly releases and then clamps the brake discs to prevent wheel lock-up, creating a pulsating noise. However, if the sound is a sharp metal scraping or persists over time, it might indicate that the brake pads are worn too thin, with the metal backing plate directly scraping against the brake disc, or small stones stuck between the brake pads. Once, I delayed replacing the brake pads, and the entire brake disc got damaged, costing over a thousand dollars to repair. It's advisable to check if the wheel hub is hot or emits any unusual odor after sudden braking and to regularly inspect the brake pad thickness during maintenance, ensuring it's above 3mm. Don’t ignore these sounds—safety is not something to take lightly. Early checks can prevent major troubles.
As an experienced driver, I've heard unusual noises several times when braking hard on the highway. Sometimes it's the clicking sound of ABS activating, which is a normal safety feature. But more often, it's due to brake pad issues like excessive wear or dust accumulation. Once during self-inspection, I found warped brake discs that produced high-pitched vibrations under heavy braking, which was fixed after repair. Weather conditions also matter – wet brake pads after rain can cause squeaking sounds. If the noise keeps getting louder, immediate attention is required as it may affect braking distance. I always advise fellow drivers to check their braking system every 5,000 km – simply observe pad thickness or manually rotate wheels to listen for noises. Good maintenance habits ensure safer driving; don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
