What Causes the Friction Noise When Driving at Low Speed?
2 Answers
The cause of friction noise when driving at low speed needs to be determined by identifying the location of the abnormal sound. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Near the tires: If the abnormal sound occurs near the tires and the wheels and bearings have been ruled out, it may be caused by friction between the brake pads and brake discs. Generally, brake pad noise is mostly due to hard spots on the brake pads rubbing against the brake discs, producing noise. Minor noises can be ignored; if the noise is loud, the brake pads can be removed, sanded with sandpaper, and reinstalled, which usually resolves the issue. 2. Connection between the transmission and engine: If the noise comes from the connection between the transmission and engine, it may be caused by damage to the clutch plate or release bearing. If the noise is inside the transmission, it could be due to abnormal wear of the first or second gear.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered this kind of friction noise many times. When you hear 'squeaking' or 'scraping' sounds at low speeds, the most common cause is worn brake pads - it's the metal wear indicator scraping against the brake disc, just like nails on a chalkboard. If the noise comes from the front wheels, sometimes kicking the tires might dislodge small stones; that's exactly how I solved the issue just a few days ago. If the sound becomes more noticeable during turns, there's an 80% chance it's a problem with the bearings or tie rods. During my last maintenance check, the mechanic found a torn CV boot which caused the grease to dry out, leading to the friction noise. Never ignore such abnormal sounds - the longer you delay repairs, the more expensive they'll become.
