What Causes the Clicking Sound When Braking?
2 Answers
There are several possible reasons for a clicking sound when applying the brakes in a car: 1. Excessive wear on brake discs and brake pads: Both brake discs and brake pads are high-wear components. Every time you brake, these two parts rub against each other, leading to natural wear over time. When they become excessively worn, unusual noises may occur, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary. Typically, brake pads should be replaced every 60,000-80,000 kilometers, while brake discs should be replaced every 100,000-120,000 kilometers. 2. Improper installation of brake pads: If the brake pads are installed incorrectly or are of the wrong model, unusual noises may also occur. Reinstalling the brake pads may solve the issue. It is recommended to have brake pads installed by a professional auto repair shop. 3. Other potential causes include faults in the caliper, brake disc, or brake pads, all of which can produce this clicking sound. If the noise persists, the first step is to check for any dragging brakes. Poor caliper retraction can cause prolonged friction between the disc and pad, leading to unusual noises under certain conditions.
Having run an auto repair shop for so many years, I've seen plenty of cases of brake noise. The most common issue is severely worn brake pads or surface hardening, which causes a clunking sound when braking, especially right after washing the car or on rainy days when moisture gets between the pads and rotors. Another cause is warped or rusted brake rotors, which can make the wheels vibrate and produce noise when braking. Don't forget to check if the brake calipers and brackets are loose or if the bolts on the rotors aren't tightened properly. Sometimes, a small stone kicked up from the road can get stuck and cause a clunking sound too. My personal advice is to get it checked immediately when you hear such noises—don't delay. Ignoring it can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of losing control during emergency stops. Regularly monitor your brake pad thickness, replace them every 5,000 kilometers or during routine maintenance, and use high-quality brake components to minimize these issues. Safety comes first—addressing problems early saves money and gives you peace of mind.