Why do my brakes make a strange noise when I press the brake pedal?
When you press the brake pedal, you need to make sure you have the necessary stopping power to avoid an accident. But brake noise always brings uncertainty about whether the system is working. What causes brake squeal? It may be different depending on whether you are driving at a low or high speed. In this guide, we evaluate the different types of brake noise and explain what causes it. We also show you how to fix the most common brake problems.
Top Causes of Brake Noise
The most common causes of brake noise are worn brake pads, faulty rotors, or faulty brake hardware. You may also need to use your brakes because your car has been sitting for a long time. Dirt and debris on your brakes can also cause strange noises when you brake. Here is a detailed list of the most common causes of brake noise:
1. Worn brake pads
The most common cause of brake noise is worn pads. As the pad material thins, it becomes more susceptible to noise, especially once it reaches the wear indicator.
The wear indicator is designed to make a sound when the material gets thin. This warning allows you to replace the pads before they cause further problems.
2. Low-quality brake pads
If you recently installed new brake pads but are still hearing strange noises, the quality of the pads you chose may be the problem. Brake pads are made from a variety of materials, some much cheaper than others.
Cheap brake pads are made from inferior materials and may produce noise. The problem can also occur if you choose aftermarket brake pads that don’t meet OEM standards.
3. Worn rotors
If the brake pads sink too far, they come into contact with the metal of the rotor. This can cause a squealing noise when you press the brake pedal, as well as wear down the surface of the rotor.
If you have to replace the rotors along with the pads, you should be prepared for a significantly higher cost. That’s why it’s important to replace your brake pads as soon as you see signs of wear. As rotors wear, brake pads often form ridges around the brake disc, which causes a squealing noise when braking. Simply repainting this edge may be all you need.
4. Brake Contamination
Driving in dirty or dusty environments can contaminate brake components. If the contaminants are large, such as: For example, if you hit a pebble, you may hear a squealing noise even without touching the brakes. Washing your car regularly can help remove dirt and dust from your brake system. Driving your car from time to time can also help reduce pollution.
5. Faulty brake calipers
If your brake calipers are stuck or not working properly, you may hear a squealing noise. This noise can occur not only when you are braking, but also when you are not trying to stop. Other symptoms may also occur, such as: B. Dragging to one side.
It may also be that the brake caliper bolts are not properly lubricated. In either case, it’s important to get it checked out right away.
6. Broken Washers
Brake pad washers are made from a thin rubber or metal material. They are placed between the brake pads and the brake calipers to fill the gap that causes noise.
However, as the washers wear out, they can create movement and cause a squealing sound. You may also hear a knocking sound when braking at low speeds.
7. Parking your car for a long time
If you park your car, you may hear a strange braking noise when you start driving. This problem is more likely to occur if the car has been parked during bad weather.
Water vapor can cause brake rust and corrosion, which is why it’s important to keep your car in a garage when not in use.
Different Brake Noises
1. Screaking
Squeaking can be annoying, but it’s not usually a sign of a serious problem. In fact, dirty brakes often cause squealing.
Even if you’ve left your car for a long time or your brakes are dirty, driving a little might be enough to stop the squealing. Use your brakes a little and the noise should stop.
2. Squealing
Brakes squealing is often the first sign of wear. When the brake pads wear down and come into contact with the brake disc, you hear a squealing noise when you apply the brakes.
However, if you buy cheap brake pads, you may also experience squealing noises. If the material is inferior, you are more likely to hear strange braking noises when you press the pedal.
3. Grinding
If you hear a grinding noise, it’s time to worry. If you hear a squealing noise, contact a repair shop immediately.
Grinding usually occurs when the brake pads sink so far that they make metal-to-metal contact. If you continue to drive like this, it can cause major damage and make your vehicle unable to stop.
How to fix brake noises
1. Drive your car
If the noise occurs after your car has been parked for a long time, try driving it for a bit to see if the symptoms improve. The same is true if you park your car when it’s raining.
In some cases, you may only need to allow the moisture to dry as you brake. In other cases, if there is dirt or contaminants, a light braking session should improve road conditions.
2. Inspect Entire System
If the noise isn’t caused by moisture or contamination of the brakes, you want to perform a complete inspection. Check the pads, rotors, hardware and every aspect of the system to determine what’s wrong.
At this time, it’s also wise to take a look at the brake fluid. While it’s unlikely this is causing your issues, it’s still wise to make sure that the fluid is topped off and looks clean.
3. Replace Brake Pads
Take a look at the brake pads to see what the condition is. If there are signs of wear on the brake pads, you want to replace them right away. Make sure you do this at the first sign of wear. Otherwise, you might be replacing the rotors as well.
4. Tighten Loose Parts
If the caliper, pads, or rotor are wiggling, it’s important to tighten up the hardware for a secure fit. There might even be a missing bolt or clip that should be replaced.
When hardware is to blame, you might also notice vibration accompanying the brake noise. However, a quick replacement is all that’s needed to restore the brakes to normal function.
5. Replace Brake Rotors
If the brake rotors are damaged or too thin, they need to be replaced. Continuing to run new brake pads on a worn rotor will only lead to the pads wearing out prematurely.
In some cases, you can have the rotor resurfaced. This simple step is cheaper than replacing it and helps you get more life out of the existing equipment.
