What Causes the Squeaking Noise in Lexus Brakes?
2 Answers
The causes of brake squeaking include the use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads, as well as the presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pads and brake discs. The details are as follows: Use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads: If low-quality or overly hard brake pads are used, a squeaking noise will occur when the brake pads rub against the brake discs during braking. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality brake pads when replacing them. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pads and brake discs: During normal driving, it is inevitable to encounter complex road conditions. Due to the unique design of disc brakes, sand or foreign objects may enter between the brake pads and brake discs, resulting in abnormal noises during braking.
I've been driving a Lexus for over ten years and have encountered brake squealing several times. Most often, it's because the brake pads have worn thin. There's a small metal warning tab inside that squeals against the rotor when it's time for replacement. It could also be surface rust on the rotors, especially after parking in the rain for too long – you'll hear noise on the first brake application, but it usually goes away after driving a bit. Sometimes new brake pads squeal during the break-in period, which is normal. A worse scenario is warped rotors, often caused by frequent hard braking or scoring, which leads to grinding and high-pitched squealing. Dirt or small stones stuck between pads and rotors can also cause noise – a good car wash might help. Safety first: if the noise persists, get it checked immediately. Don't wait until the pads are completely worn, as you might then need new rotors too, which is costly and dangerous. Remember to avoid harsh braking, maintain regular service intervals, and keep your wheels clean of excessive dust.
