Why Does the Car Brake Make Noise?

[VonSara]

Car brake noise occurs due to issues in the braking system, such as worn brake pads becoming too thin, causing the brake drum to directly contact the vehicle. The friction between metal parts then produces noise. When the brake pads are thin, a warning indicator will light up, prompting immediate inspection. If the brake pads are found to be in good condition after inspection, the car can continue to be driven normally. For new cars, since both the brake pads and brake discs are brand new, they are in a break-in period. This can lead to unusual noises while driving. Owners need not worry about such noises as they will automatically disappear after the car has passed the break-in period.

[MaxFitz]

When I first bought a car, I was also startled by the brake noise. Later I learned that such screeching sounds are mostly minor issues. It's often caused by hard metal particles on the edges of brake pads or sand grains stuck on the brake discs. Especially after driving in the rain, the rust on the brake disc surface can cause squeaking, which disappears after a few rubs. What needs attention is that when brake pads wear down to the warning metal piece, it can also produce metallic friction sounds, which is a signal to replace the pads. If it's newly replaced brake pads, some noise during the break-in period is normal. However, if there's a clunking sound every time you brake, it might be that the brake caliper is stuck, and you should get it checked immediately.

[McSamuel]

My old car had squeaky brakes the other day, and I found out it was because the installer forgot to apply anti-squeal paste on the back of the brake pads. Actually, many strange noises come from brake pad vibrations, especially with low-quality pads which are more prone to this. Although eco-friendly ceramic brake pads produce less dust, they are also more likely to squeak when cold. Once during maintenance, I noticed the brake disc surface was unevenly worn with slight grooves when touched, and the noise disappeared after resurfacing. If the steering wheel shakes during hard braking, it's definitely due to warped brake discs, which need to be resurfaced or replaced.

[VanGideon]

A buzzing vibration when braking hard is mostly the ABS system working, especially noticeable when driving on snow. However, if you hear a scraping sound like metal on metal during normal driving, be cautious as it indicates the brake pads have worn to their limit. Last time when the brake discs were replaced, it was found that the guide pins were rusted, causing the brake pads to not retract smoothly and resulting in abnormal noises. Now, when going over speed bumps in cold weather, there's a clunking sound from the brakes, which the mechanic said is due to loose caliper brackets. Modified brake systems are more prone to abnormal noises, and improper installation can lead to such issues.