What to Do When There's a Metal Friction Sound When Braking?

[LukeFitz]

Here are the methods to deal with metal friction sounds when braking: 1. Squeaking sound when braking: This could indicate multiple issues, such as problems with the caliper, brake disc, or brake pads. If the sound persists, check for dragging brakes, as poor caliper retraction can cause prolonged friction between the disc and pads, leading to unusual noises under certain conditions. Also, inspect whether any foreign objects are stuck between the pads and disc. 2. Brake pads are too hard or the shim is incorrectly installed: If the pads are new, check if the brake disc has grooves, as localized friction can cause noise. If the disc is fine, consider whether the brake pads are too hard or if the shim is installed incorrectly. Try reinstalling the brake pads and apply butter or specialized lubricant at the connection between the pads and caliper to resolve the issue. It could also be that the brake pads were installed backward; simply reassemble them correctly. This is especially important for owners who had their brake pads replaced at roadside stalls. 3. Noise during rainy days: Rainy weather can also cause brake noise. If the car has been parked for several days, the brake disc and pads might rust and stick together, possibly making a popping sound upon startup. This is normal and nothing to worry about; pressing the brakes a few times will remove the rust from the disc. Another scenario is a whining sound during low-speed braking, which might be due to water in the brake disc or dampness in the pads and disc. Wait for the water to dry out.

[LeLogan]

I once encountered a situation where there was a metallic grinding noise when stepping on the brakes, which really worried me. Having driven for decades, I knew this is often a sign of worn brake pads. I immediately asked a friend to help inspect the brake discs and pads, and found that the pads had worn very thin. The metallic noise was caused by the wear indicator scraping against the disc. If left untreated, braking performance would decline, and the brake discs could even get damaged, leading to much higher repair costs. I suggest you promptly visit a reliable auto shop or technician for diagnosis—don’t wait until the safety risk escalates. Meanwhile, avoid sudden braking while driving to reduce pad wear and extend component lifespan.