What Causes the Noise When Braking a Small Car?
4 Answers
The reasons for noise when braking a small car are as follows: 1. Use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads: If inferior or excessively hard brake pads are used, they may produce a squeaking noise when they rub against the brake disc during braking. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. 2. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pad and brake disc: During normal driving, it is inevitable to pass through some complex road conditions. Due to the unique design of disc brakes, some sand and foreign objects may get between the brake pad and the brake disc, which can also cause abnormal noises during braking.
I've been driving for over ten years and have encountered quite a few instances of brake noise. The most common issue is worn or thin brake pads, which cause the friction disc to squeak when braking, especially in older cars or during stop-and-go city driving. In rainy or humid conditions, brake discs are prone to rust, which can also cause noise—this usually goes away after driving for about ten minutes. However, if the noise persists, there might be a stone stuck between the pads or the brake calipers might be dirty and not properly cleaned. Some materials in the brake system, like low-metallic brake pads, are inherently noisier due to minor design flaws. I recommend not delaying repairs, as prolonged noise can worsen wear and compromise safety. It's best to visit a reliable shop to check pad thickness and clean the brake components—replacing the pads usually solves the problem, so don't skimp on this small expense. Also, adopting gentler driving habits and braking smoothly can help reduce the frequency of noise.
Recently, my beloved car's brakes have been squeaking constantly. After researching, I found there are quite a few common causes. For instance, newly replaced brake pads may produce noise during the initial break-in period for a few kilometers, which is completely normal. If the brake discs have scratches or are uneven, they'll screech during friction, especially noticeable during high-speed braking. Another possibility could be foreign substances stuck in the braking system, like oil stains or dust, causing uneven friction and noise - in such cases, try cleaning it. Modern vehicles might produce some noise due to interaction with ABS sensors, but don't worry about safety. What I've learned is not to ignore small noises as they could be wear warning signals. Regular maintenance checks on pad thickness and lubrication are crucial, and warped discs need immediate attention. Driving smoothly can also help reduce noise accumulation.
Brake noise mostly stems from friction issues. From my personal experience, when brake pads are too thin or made of coarse material, they produce sharp sounds upon contact with the disc, especially after hard braking during cooling. Small stones embedded in the pads or grease contamination can also cause this, and simple cleaning can alleviate it. Frequent braking on slopes increases the risk of disc overheating and deformation, leading to abnormal noises. I recommend first measuring the remaining thickness of the brake pads; if it's below 5mm, they should be replaced. Also, check if the caliper operates smoothly without locking up. Persistent noise should not be ignored due to potential safety hazards; don't push your luck.
