Why Does the Accelerator and Brake Make a Clicking Noise?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the accelerator and brake make a clicking noise: 1. New car: The brake discs and pads are relatively new, so they need to be worn in. The brakes may produce abnormal noises, which can be divided into vibration friction and sharp hissing sounds. However, these noises will disappear after a few hundred kilometers. 2. During sandstorms or dusty weather: Sand or dust particles may enter between the discs and pads, causing a hissing noise from the brakes. 3. The brake pads are worn to the wear zone. There are hard spots as a warning, which produce a hissing sound. If the hissing sound persists for several days every time you brake, and it becomes louder and more frequent, it indicates that the brake pads are worn out. Brake pads usually have some hard metal debris at the bottom. When these debris are ground, they produce a hissing sound of metal friction, signaling the owner that the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. 4. A clicking noise occurs during emergency braking, and the brake pedal feels vibrating: This is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) function kicking in during emergency braking. In this case, no action is needed.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered the sudden 'clunk' sound when stepping on the accelerator or brake several times. This is usually caused by loose components in the chassis or suspension system, such as untightened engine mounts or control arm bolts. When accelerating or braking sharply, the change in acceleration causes loose parts to rattle, creating noise. It could also be directly related to the braking system, such as worn brake calipers, uneven brake discs, or damaged dust boots. Once during a long drive, I heard a clunk right after stepping on the accelerator, and upon inspection, it turned out to be a loose wheel bearing. I immediately went to the repair shop to reinforce it, preventing an accident. I recommend not underestimating this sound as it could indicate a safety hazard that might lead to loss of control. It's best to check and tighten bolts and brake components as soon as possible. Additionally, pay attention to chassis health during regular maintenance, periodically tightening bolts to avoid minor issues escalating into major repairs over time.
When I'm driving, especially during sudden acceleration or braking, the clunking sound often makes me nervous. This could be due to aging rubber bushings in the chassis suspension system, causing excessive play. Or it might be the sound of severely worn brake pads rubbing against the calipers. Once while driving on a mountain road, there was a strange noise every time I braked, and I discovered it was due to water rust corrosion on the brake discs. Another related point: loose spark plugs in the engine bay can also cause clunking when accelerating, as engine vibrations exacerbate the issue. I think maintaining a steady speed during daily driving can reduce such noises, but once heard, it's best to pull over and quickly check the tire bolts and brake discs. Don't try to save money by delaying repairs, as it could damage the car more severely. Safety first is the golden rule.
