Why does the brake make noise when not pressed but not when pressed?
4 Answers
The reasons why the brake makes noise when not pressed but not when pressed are as follows: 1. New pads installed on old rotors—old rotors usually have grooves, and the new pads may contact the upper and lower edges of the old rotor, causing noise. Solution: Chamfer the edges of the brake pads or resurface the rotor to resolve the issue. 2. New pads installed on new rotors—if the new rotor or new pad has excessive unevenness, poor bedding-in between the rotor and pad, or uneven wear on one side, it may cause noise. Solution: After using the brakes for some time, the rotor and pad will bed in properly. If the unevenness is severe, reinstallation may be required. 3. Poor retraction of the brake caliper, causing drag and premature volatilization of the organic material in the brake pads, leading to noise after some use. Solution: Inspect and maintain the caliper, check if the brake pads are intact, and replace them if they are burnt.
I've been in auto repair for many years and encountered many cars that make no noise when braking but squeak when released. This is mostly caused by the brake caliper not retracting smoothly. The brake pads rub against the rotor in the released state, producing a harsh noise, likely due to rusted or insufficiently lubricated caliper slide pins. It could also be uneven or misaligned brake pad wear, requiring a check on thickness and positioning. Aging or loose suspension bushings may indirectly cause similar noises. Delayed action can accelerate rotor wear and, in severe cases, affect braking safety. I recommend going to a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection, cleaning, and lubricating related components—don't wait for a small issue to turn into costly repairs.
My car has been running for eight or nine years. Recently, it's been very quiet when I step on the brakes, but as soon as I release them, there's this constant rattling noise that's really annoying. I remember the last time this happened, it was because the brake caliper was a bit sticky. The mechanic cleaned it and applied some lubricant, and the problem was solved. The root cause is often that the caliper doesn't fully retract. I've also encountered friction noise caused by wear on the edges of the brake pads, which can be detected early with regular checks. Now I've learned my lesson—I make sure to inspect the brake system more thoroughly during annual maintenance, especially after rainy days when moisture can lead to rust and similar issues. Addressing problems early saves a lot of hassle, money, and gives peace of mind.
I'm a new driver, and my car doesn't make any noise when I press the brake, but it makes a clicking sound when I release it, which scared me as I was afraid something might go wrong. After checking, it might be that the brake system is stuck and not returning to position, such as a caliper issue or loose wear pads. If not repaired in time, it could reduce braking efficiency and affect safety. I immediately drove to the shop for inspection, and the mechanic said it was a minor issue and fixed it. Lesson learned: always pay attention to subtle noises and address them early—safety first.
