What to Do When Car Brakes Make Abnormal Noises?
2 Answers
If your car brakes are making abnormal noises, the solution can be determined based on the specific situation. Here is an analysis of the possible causes of brake noise: 1. Brake Pad Issues: Abnormal noises from brake pads are usually caused by wear and tear scraping the disc, in which case simply replacing the brake pads will suffice. Another cause could be aging of the brake pad surface or sharp edges, which can be resolved by grinding the surface and edges of the brake pads. 2. Brake Disc Deformation: If the noise is caused by the brake disc wobbling from side to side and scraping against the brake pads while driving, grinding the brake disc to repair the deformation will fix the issue. Alternatively, if the noise is due to rust on the brake disc surface, the sound will usually disappear on its own after a few minutes of driving as the rust is worn off during braking.
Recently, my car's brakes also made a squeaking noise. My first reaction was to check the brake pad thickness, because when they wear thin, they produce a metal-on-metal friction alarm sound. Remember to park the car in a safe place and use a flashlight to inspect between the brake disc and pad. If you see exposed metal shims, it's time to replace them. Last time, I also encountered strange noises after rain. The mechanic said it was due to rust on the brake discs sticking to sand and gravel, and using a high-pressure water gun to clean the inside of the wheel hub solved the problem. If you hear sharp sounds, don't delay—try pumping the brakes a few times first. If the noise disappears, it might just be a small stone stuck in there. But if the noise persists, you should go to a repair shop to check the brake caliper and guide pins—this isn't a safe job to DIY. Never ignore brake noises, especially when going downhill, as sudden brake failure can be extremely dangerous.
