What to Do When There's a Squeaking Sound While Braking?

[LaCorey]

Methods to address squeaking sounds when braking are as follows: 1. Squeaking sound when braking: This could indicate several issues, including 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 for any foreign objects stuck between the pads and disc. 2. Brake pads are too hard or the anti-noise shim is incorrectly installed: For new pads, 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 anti-noise shim was installed incorrectly. Try reinstalling the brake pads and apply butter or specialized lubricant at the connection between the brake pads and caliper to resolve the issue. It's also possible 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: Rain can also cause brake noise. If the car has been parked for several days, the brake disc and pads may rust and stick together, possibly producing a popping sound upon startup. This is normal and not a cause for concern; a few more brake applications will remove the rust from the disc. Another scenario is a whining sound during low-speed braking, possibly due to water in the brake disc, making the pads and disc damp. The noise should disappear once the water dries.

[ZoeyRose]

I've been driving for many years, and the common causes of squeaking when stepping on the brakes are worn brake pads or dust and debris on the discs. Over time, brake pads wear thin, causing a sharp noise during friction; sometimes, dirt or small stones can get stuck and cause the same issue. If ignored, braking performance may decline, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend checking the brake pad thickness as soon as possible: it should normally be more than 3 mm—replace them if they're too thin. Also, clean the brake discs and surrounding areas to prevent corrosion from water accumulation. In daily driving, regular maintenance can prevent problems. I perform a simple brake check every month and avoid sudden braking on muddy roads, which saves a lot of trouble and time. Remember, safety comes first—don’t skimp and wait until repair costs skyrocket.

[ZaneAnn]

Every time I hear a squealing sound when stepping on the brakes, I get nervous—it's often an issue with the brake pads or discs. The pads may have worn down to the metal layer, or the disc surface might be uneven; alternatively, foreign objects like sand particles could be stuck in the gaps. To avoid safety risks, I recommend stopping immediately to check: inspect the wheels for obvious damage or dust, then test-drive slowly for a few kilometers. If the noise persists, head to a professional repair shop right away. Don’t ignore it like I did once—the noise grew louder, causing brake shudder, and ended up costing hundreds more in repairs. When driving normally, try to brake gently and reduce sudden stops, especially after rain when wheels easily accumulate dirt. Timely cleaning can extend their lifespan. In short, act early to protect yourself.

[StKevin]

The buzzing noise is mostly caused by the brake pads, either due to uneven wear or dirt accumulation. Newly replaced brake pads often require a break-in period, and the noise may disappear on its own after driving 200-300 kilometers. However, if the noise persists or is accompanied by vibration, it may indicate aging components that require inspection and repair. I would first clean the disc and pad area to remove accumulated dust, and if necessary, lightly sand the edges for smoothness. During routine maintenance, check the brake fluid level and system sealing to prevent moisture from corroding the metal. This habit ensures stable and durable braking for my car. I recommend testing the noise changes by gently applying the brakes on a straight road to help identify the problem source without overcomplicating minor issues.