What Causes the Sharp and Piercing Sound When Braking?
2 Answers
Car brakes producing a sharp and piercing sound can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. The brake pads have worn down to the metal backing, causing the metal to rub and produce noise, signaling the owner to replace the brake pads; 2. Small stones or debris have become lodged in the brake pads, a common occurrence during rainy weather; 3. Issues with the brake pad material, often resulting in noise when the car is cold. Brakes are mechanical devices designed to slow down or stop a vehicle, also known as decelerators. The car's brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal activates the brake linkage, which applies pressure to the brake pads on the brake drum, clamping the brake rotor and causing the car to slow down or stop. The manual brake (handbrake) is located next to the gear shift and is connected to the brake lever.
That sharp screeching noise when braking is really annoying, and I just dealt with this issue myself. The most common cause is the brake pads wearing down to their limit, where the metal backing plate starts rubbing directly against the brake rotor, creating that metal-on-metal scraping sound. Another possibility is that newly replaced brake pads need a break-in period, and some noise during the first few hundred kilometers is normal. Small stones or other debris stuck in the wheels can also cause a clunking sound while driving. In cold and damp weather, a layer of rust on the brake rotor surface might lead to squealing during the first few brake applications. It's best not to delay—last time I put it off, the brake rotor got gouged, costing me hundreds more to replace. The most reliable way is to visit a repair shop and measure the brake pad thickness with calipers; if it's below 5 mm, it's time for a replacement.
