What Causes the Friction Noise While Driving a Car?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for friction noise while driving a car: 1. Excessive wear of brake pads: When brake pads become too thin, the metal is exposed, causing the sensor on the brake pad to be worn out and trigger an alarm. Additionally, the friction between the metal of the brake pad and the brake disc can produce noise. 2. Presence of gravel between the brake disc and brake pad: This situation usually occurs after the vehicle has driven through water, where mud and sand are carried into the gaps. When the brake pads and brake disc rub against each other, the temperature can reach as high as 800-1200 degrees, making the brake pads very soft. Small stones can easily embed into the brake pads, producing a sharp friction noise. 3. Brake drag: Due to the brake piston not returning to its normal position after braking, the brake pads remain in a braking state, which can also cause certain abnormal noises during high-speed driving. 4. Abnormal wear of the brake disc or brake pads: Deformation, damage, dents, or bulges on the brake disc caused by external forces, as well as uneven wear of the brake pads leading to irregular surfaces, can also result in friction noise when the brakes are applied.
Last time I was driving on the highway, I heard a buzzing friction-like sound which worried me a lot, so I quickly pulled over to check. It turned out the wheel bearing was damaged. This sound resembled metal grinding, especially more noticeable when turning. Once the bearing is damaged, continuing to drive could lead to wheel lock-up or loss of control, which is quite dangerous. It's best to go to a repair shop promptly, where mechanics can diagnose it accurately using professional tools. By the way, similar sounds might also come from excessively worn brake pads, where the metal piece is exposed and grinds against the brake disc, producing a sharp noise. In short, never ignore unusual noises while driving as they pose significant safety hazards. I recommend getting it checked as soon as possible; delaying could turn a small issue into a major problem with higher repair costs.