What Causes the High-Pitched Squealing Sound When Braking?
1 Answers
The reasons for high-pitched squealing sounds when braking: 1. The wear indicator emits a sharp noise as a replacement reminder: Most vehicle braking systems are equipped with a warning mechanism to alert drivers to replace brake pads. When the brake pads wear beyond the designated warning threshold, the wear indicator produces a piercing noise to prompt the owner to inspect or replace the brake pads at a service center. Failure to replace them promptly may result in the metal wear indicator scoring fatal grooves into the brake disc, rendering it unusable. Additionally, excessively worn brake pads can lead to brake failure, potentially causing severe accidents. 2. Severely worn brake discs causing noise: If the brake disc is heavily worn, the outer edge beyond the contact area with the brake pad may develop a raised ridge relative to the friction surface. When the corner of the brake pad rubs against this raised edge of the brake disc, it can generate noise. There are generally two solutions: either have the edges of the brake pads ground down at a service center to avoid contact with the raised disc edge, or opt for a complete brake disc replacement. 3. High-pitched squealing during braking in new vehicles: Many owners assume this indicates a manufacturing defect when they hear sharp noises during braking in new cars. However, this is often part of the break-in process between new brake pads and discs. The noise occurs when braking happens to contact a hard spot in the brake pad material. Applying lubricant at a service center can help reduce this noise.
