What Causes the Clicking Sound When Braking in a Corolla?
2 Answers
Reasons for the clicking sound when braking in a Corolla: Foreign objects on the brake disc surface: Check if there are any foreign objects on the surface of the brake disc that may cause abnormal wear. If the noise is due to foreign objects on the brake disc surface, remove them to resolve the issue. Lack of lubrication in the car: If there is noise near the door when braking, it indicates that the car lacks lubrication. Oil or dirt on the brake pads or brake disc: Inspect whether the noise is caused by oil or dirt between the brake pads and the brake disc. Cleaning the oil or dirt between them and ensuring there are no foreign objects can solve the problem.
I've repaired quite a few Corollas, and brake squeaking or clunking usually has several causes. The most common one is worn-out brake pads—when the wear indicator touches the brake disc, it makes a clunking noise, often due to dust or small stones stuck inside. Rust or warping on the brake disc surface is another frequent issue, especially after rain or long periods of parking, making braking feel unstable. Additionally, loose caliper bolts or insufficient lubrication can cause component friction, resulting in a clicking sound. Don’t overlook worn wheel bearings or suspension system problems, as they connect to the brakes and may also trigger noise. I recommend not delaying—visit a professional auto shop immediately. They can quickly diagnose the issue with equipment, and replacing parts isn’t expensive. Waiting until the brakes fail is too risky. Regularly rinsing the wheel hubs during car washes can help prevent rust issues.