The 5 Common Causes of Brake Noise
There aren’t many things more annoying than squeaky brakes. It grabs the attention of everyone around you, making you want to slouch down in your seat with embarrassment. If your brakes are new, or if they are still in good shape, they can be repaired to eliminate the noise without replacing the brakes.
Do these five causes of brake noise sound familiar to you?
- The brakes are worn out. If the pad material on the brake pads or shoes is worn below the specified limit, they can make noise. If the brake pad material is low, it causes excessive heat to build up in the braking system which will cause glazing. This causes the pad and the rotor or drum to become hardened and shiny, which in turn causes noise. Low pads can also make the wear sensor contact with the rotor, causing a high pitched squeal. If the brake pad material is completely gone, this will cause a grinding noise.
- Dirty brakes. Brake dust, as well as other road contaminants, can cause uneven braking when you step on the pedal--which in turn results in noise. This most commonly occurs on drum brakes as the brake dust gets trapped within the drum itself.
- The wrong brake pads were installed. If the wrong brake material was used, the brake pads should be replaced.
- Lack of lubrication. The brakes were not properly lubricated when they were installed.
- The brakes are getting too hot. Heat will cause the brakes to glaze over. This can occur if the vehicle is driven excessively hard, or if the drum brakes are not properly adjusted. If the brakes are worn out, or if the wrong brake material was used, then the brakes should be replaced.
If the brake noise continues or returns after a brake repair service, that is an indication of unforeseen problems. The brakes will need further inspection and may need replacement. There may be another underlying issue such as a hub bearing, axle, or even a transmission problem. Enlist the help of a certified mechanic that can inspect your brakes and diagnose the problem.
Want to know more about the causes of brake noise? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
There aren’t many things more annoying than squeaky brakes. It grabs the attention of everyone around you, making you want to slouch down in your seat with embarrassment. If your brakes are new, or if they are still in good shape, they can be repaired to eliminate the noise without replacing the brakes.
Do these five causes of brake noise sound familiar to you?
- The brakes are worn out. If the pad material on the brake pads or shoes is worn below the specified limit, they can make noise. If the brake pad material is low, it causes excessive heat to build up in the braking system which will cause glazing. This causes the pad and the rotor or drum to become hardened and shiny, which in turn causes noise. Low pads can also make the wear sensor contact with the rotor, causing a high pitched squeal. If the brake pad material is completely gone, this will cause a grinding noise.
- Dirty brakes. Brake dust, as well as other road contaminants, can cause uneven braking when you step on the pedal--which in turn results in noise. This most commonly occurs on drum brakes as the brake dust gets trapped within the drum itself.
- The wrong brake pads were installed. If the wrong brake material was used, the brake pads should be replaced.
- Lack of lubrication. The brakes were not properly lubricated when they were installed.
- The brakes are getting too hot. Heat will cause the brakes to glaze over. This can occur if the vehicle is driven excessively hard, or if the drum brakes are not properly adjusted. If the brakes are worn out, or if the wrong brake material was used, then the brakes should be replaced.
If the brake noise continues or returns after a brake repair service, that is an indication of unforeseen problems. The brakes will need further inspection and may need replacement. There may be another underlying issue such as a hub bearing, axle, or even a transmission problem. Enlist the help of a certified mechanic that can inspect your brakes and diagnose the problem.
Want to know more about the causes of brake noise? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
