What is the problem with brake noise?
2 Answers
Brake noise is caused by incorrect contact angle between the brake pads and brake discs, or small stones getting stuck between them. If you experience brake noise, it is recommended to visit a 4S shop or professional repair shop to have the brake system inspected by professionals. The brake system is crucial for a car as it affects both driving safety and stability. The brake system mainly consists of a vacuum booster pump, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes the wheel cylinder through brake fluid, which then forces the brake pads to clamp the brake discs, achieving the purpose of decelerating the car.
After years of driving, I've found that brake noise is quite common. Most often, it's caused by brake pads wearing down to their limits, producing sharp metallic scraping sounds, especially when starting the car or lightly applying the brakes. Other reasons include rust or contamination (like mud, water, or dust) on the brake disc surface, leading to uneven friction. Such noises are more likely to occur in damp weather, such as after rain. I recommend car owners first check the thickness of their brake pads—if they're as thin as paper, it's time to replace them. Otherwise, continuing to drive not only makes the noise unbearable but could also affect braking performance and compromise safety. Sometimes, newly replaced brake pads may squeak during the initial break-in period for the first few days—this isn't serious and usually goes away after some driving. In short, safety comes first. If you notice unusual sounds, it's best to have a professional shop inspect and repair them.
