What Causes the Squealing Noise When Braking?
3 Answers
The reasons for squealing noise when braking include: 1. Poor quality of the brake pads themselves; 2. The parking brake not being released, causing prolonged friction of the brake pads leading to surface carbonization and crystallization; 3. The brake pads being completely worn out, exposing the metal backing plate; 4. Uneven friction due to grooves or rust on the brake disc surface after washing the car or rain exposure; 5. Foreign objects embedded in the brake pad surface causing abnormal noise. Braking is achieved through intense friction between the brake pads and the brake drum. The car's brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal activates the brake linkage, applying pressure that is transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, clamping the brake rotor to slow down or stop the vehicle. The manual brake is located next to the gear shift and is connected to the brake lever.
Sudden screeching noises from the brakes can be really annoying. I experienced this last year. Every day when driving to and from work, there was this metallic squealing sound whenever I braked, which was quite unnerving. After some research, I found several common causes: First, worn-out brake pads reaching their limit, where the metal backing plate directly rubs against the brake rotor, creating noise. Second, rust forming on the brake rotor surface during humid weather or after rain, causing temporary noise when braking. Third, dust or small stones getting stuck in the braking system, causing unnecessary friction. Ignoring it can reduce braking performance and even damage the brake rotor, doubling repair costs. Later, I took it to a shop and found the brake pads were less than 3mm thick. Replacing them fixed the issue. I recommend parking in dry places to minimize rust and replacing brake pads promptly—safety first.
Hearing the screeching sound of brakes makes me nervous, as it relates to safe driving. As a driver who frequently transports family members, I've learned that such noises often stem from excessively worn brake pads or system contamination. The sound of metal grinding indicates that the brake pads may be depleted or dirty, leading to reduced braking performance; the risk is even greater during sudden stops. Once, I ignored this sound, and as a result, the braking distance significantly increased, nearly causing an accident. Later, at the repair shop, I had the brake pads replaced, and everything returned to normal. I recommend an immediate inspection and advise against using cheap, low-quality parts to save money; regular maintenance can help detect issues early. Cleaning the dust from the wheel hubs after parking can also prevent problems before they arise. Investing in safety is worth it—don't take it lightly.
