Are Your Brakes Speaking? Let’s Talk About Decoding Your Brake Sounds

Unusual brake sounds are annoying and embarrassing. They are usually a sign that all is not well with the automobile. The vehicle may be experiencing a potentially dangerous mechanical issue. Ignoring problems with your brake system can impact the brake performance, compromise road safety, and lead to expensive repairs down the road. Brakes are a critical car safety component that needs servicing as soon as possible if they produce strange noises constantly.

The role of brakes

When a driver presses the pedal, the car brakes are supposed to make little to no noise. However, factors like braking system parts wearing out over time, incorrect installation, or dirt build-up can lead to certain noises.

Let us look at some common brake sounds a car can make and how to figure out what aspect of the brake system requires repair:

Squealing or squeaking

Car brakes producing squeaky sounds is a significant annoyance. A possible reason behind the high-pitched squealing noise is poor brake pad material. Cheap or inferior quality brake pads consist of metal flakes that drag along the rotor when the driver presses the brakes, producing a squealing sound. 

Another cause of brakes squeaking is the rotor or drum wearing over time or becoming overheated due to excessive use. The disc braking system traps dust between the rotor and braking pad. Also, the drum braking system accumulates dust within the drums, which can cause squeaky noises. 

Lack of proper lubrication in the braking components in vehicles with rear drum brakes and the sticky movement on the caliper piston can result in squeaks and squeals. 

Grinding

Several reasons can cause the braking system to grind. It is a critical issue demanding immediate attention. A loud grinding noise arises from pad friction material wearing out or reaching the end of its lifespan. 

When the car sits overnight, a layer of rust or moisture develops on the rotor, which causes the grinding noise. However, it is temporary, and the noise stops after pressing the brakes a few times, causing the rotor and pads to heat up. 

Rust and a pebble, stone, or any foreign object stuck somewhere in the caliper can produce consistent grinding or screeching sound during braking or driving. 

Thumping

Warped or out-of-shape brake rotors, build-up on the rotor, or loose brake cable or mounting belt are the culprits behind thumping or clunking noise while braking. The thumping noise is not always related to the brake system. Problems with the vehicle suspension can make a thumping noise when hitting the brake pedal.

Rattling

The braking system producing rattling sound pressing or releasing brake pedal is due to issues with the brake mounting hardware, including anti-rattle clips and abutment clips. Replace worn-out, missing, or damaged hardware and tighten the loose parts. Ignoring the rattling sound or worn hardware can cause the braking pads to experience wearing quickly and erratically.

Warped rotors and dirty, loose, or worn-out caliper pieces can also cause rattling sounds.

Get professional care for your brakes

When it comes to the car braking system, it is better to be safe than sorry. Poorly performing car brakes make the vehicle dangerous to drive. If your car makes strange brake sounds, it indicates that the braking system demands inspection and service by an expert mechanic.

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