What to Do When the Yaris Makes Strange Noises When Starting and Braking?
3 Answers
Here are the solutions for the Yaris making strange noises when starting and braking: 1. Check components such as the shock absorber fixing screws, stabilizer bar bushings, ball joints, and chassis screws for looseness or aging. Such noises can usually be noticed during sudden braking or on bumpy roads. 2. If the noise is a squealing sound, there could be multiple issues, including problems with the caliper, brake disc, or brake pads. If the noise persists, first check for dragging brakes. Poor caliper retraction can cause prolonged friction between the disc and pads, leading to noise under certain conditions. Also, check for any foreign objects stuck between the pads and disc. If the pads are new, inspect the brake disc for grooves, as localized friction can cause noise. If the disc is fine, consider whether the brake pads are too hard or if the noise insulation shims were installed incorrectly. 3. Brake pads may contain small metal particles, which can produce sharp, high-pitched noises when lightly braking. This issue can be resolved by forcefully applying the brakes several times, removing and regrinding the pads, or replacing them with higher-quality ones. 4. The issue might be with the brake guide pins. Rust or dirty lubricant inside the guide pins can cause poor retraction. Clean the guide pins, sand them with fine-grit sandpaper, and apply new lubricant. 5. It could be a problem with the brake caliper, which may require replacement, though this is a rare occurrence.
My Yaris makes a squeaking noise when braking at startup. Last time I encountered this issue, I did a preliminary inspection myself. It's most likely that the brake pads are nearly worn out, especially when braking on inclines during startup, which tends to cause noise. I recommend first checking the thickness of the brake pads; if there's less than 5mm left, they need replacement. To save money, you can remove the wheels yourself to inspect, but without the right tools, it's best to visit a professional repair shop. By the way, common sources of unusual noises in the Yaris model are rust on the disc surface or small stones stuck in the braking system. After parking, gently press the brake on a flat surface to listen for the location. Don't delay, as prolonged use can damage the brake discs, leading to higher costs later. I ended up going to a 4S shop for a fix—they cleaned the disc surface, and the problem was resolved. The car drives as smoothly as new again.
I've seen many Yaris owners experience abnormal noises when stepping on the brakes during startup. Common causes include excessively thin brake pads, uneven or slightly scratched disc surfaces, or loose brake components. You can try preliminary diagnosis yourself: after starting the car, gently press the brakes to listen for sounds, which can help roughly determine whether the noise comes from the left or right wheel. If the brake feels soft or there's vibration, immediately check the brake pump or whether the fluid level is low. Safety comes first; persistent abnormal noises might indicate hidden braking hazards, so don't cut corners to save trouble. I recommend visiting a professional auto repair shop for a check with specialized tools—spending a little money can prevent major accidents. Also, cleaning wheel debris during regular car washes can prevent objects from getting stuck in the brakes.