What Causes the Sound of Friction from the Car Wheel?
2 Answers
Wheel friction sounds are generally caused by brake pad malfunctions. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Introduction: Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking depends on the brake pads, making high-quality brake pads the guardian of both people and vehicles. 2. Working Principle: Brake pads (brake lining) typically consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat-insulating layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, with the coating process monitored by an SMT-4 furnace temperature tracker to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution. The heat-insulating layer is made of non-conductive materials to provide thermal insulation. The friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives, which are pressed against the brake disc or drum during braking to create friction, thereby achieving vehicle deceleration and stopping. Due to friction, the friction block gradually wears out, and generally, the lower the cost of the brake pads, the faster they wear.
I frequently repair cars, and one of the most common causes of that friction noise is brake pads worn too thin. When you drive and press the brakes, the metal backing directly scrapes against the brake disc, producing a harsh sound similar to metal grinding. Besides this, it could also be a damaged wheel bearing, which generates a continuous humming or grinding sensation, especially noticeable when turning. Another scenario is small stones or foreign objects stuck in the tire treads or wheel arches, causing a rattling noise as the wheel rotates. I've handled many similar cases myself and recommend first stopping the car to check if anything is stuck on the tire surface. If not, take it to a repair shop as soon as possible to inspect the brake pads and bearing thickness. Don't delay, as it could lead to brake failure or more expensive repairs.
