What Causes the Squeaking Noise in BMW Brakes?
2 Answers
The reasons for squeaking noise in BMW brakes are as follows: 1. Use of inferior or overly hard brake pads: If inferior or overly hard brake pads are used, they may produce a squeaking sound when rubbing 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 pads 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 pads and brake disc, causing abnormal noises during braking. 3. Severe wear of the brake disc: For new cars, a slight squeaking sound during braking is normal and will diminish with more driving. For older cars, the noise may be due to rust on the brake disc and brake pads, which can be removed by sanding off the rust layer with sandpaper. Alternatively, if the brake pads are severely worn, they should be replaced. 4. Brake pad warning: There is no strict mileage requirement for replacing brake pads; they should be replaced when they become thin. Some brake pads have electronic warnings, while some lower-end cars use warning tabs. If the wear level of the brake pads reaches the warning line, a squeaking alarm sound will be emitted, indicating that they should be replaced promptly. 5. Incorrect installation of brake pads: If the brake pads are installed incorrectly or the model does not match, abnormal noises may occur. In such cases, the brake pads should be reinstalled. When installing brake pads, it is advisable to have the work done at a professional auto repair shop, especially for owners who have had their brake pads replaced at roadside stalls, as extra caution is needed.
There are quite a few reasons for BMW brake squealing, and I've encountered many owners complaining about this during repairs. It could be that the brake pads are worn down to a certain thickness and start squeaking; or there might be debris like sand or rust stuck on the brake discs; newly installed brake pads that aren't properly secured can vibrate and make noise when braking; sometimes, BMW brake pads are made of harder materials, making them more prone to squeaking during cold starts. I recommend not taking this lightly, as it can gradually damage the brake discs, potentially requiring a full system replacement. It's best to drive to a shop for an inspection—usually, replacing the brake pads costs just a few hundred bucks, saving you from major repairs later. Safety first, especially since brake issues on the highway can be a real headache.
