Car Parts Plus

Noisy Brakes? Try These Solutions

Each of us has experienced the high-pitched squeal of a car’s braking assembly. Ideally, the problem is within somebody else’s vehicle; the moment they drive off, so does the noise. When your brakes are the cause, the squeal can rattle your nerves and even make you wonder whether your car is safe to drive. Unfortunately, once the squealing starts, it’s unlikely to go away on its own; you’ll need to either have a mechanic look at your brakes or take a look yourself.

There are a few parts which can cause a noisy braking assembly. If you’d like to investigate the problem at home, you’ll need to look at your car’s pads, rotors, calipers, and mounts. Below, I’ll give you a quick overview regarding the roles these parts can play in producing the squeal.

When The Pads Are The Problem

If the pads are not fitted properly in the calipers, they can easily become loose. Some of them come with clips or other locking mechanisms that help them stay in place while you’re driving. If these clips are not fastened, a vibration can be caused between the pads and calipers.

You might consider putting an insulator shim between the parts. They usually stick directly to the backside of the pad and create a thin cushion. You can also spray a special chemical on the pads which suppresses the noise. You can buy this chemical at most auto supply stores, but keep in mind that it’s mostly a short-term solution.

When The Calipers Are The Problem

If the calipers on your car become worn, they can cause a vibration against the mounts. If that happens, you should replace them. Having said that, you can also remove and clean them to prevent them from making noise. Before putting them back onto mounts, use a lubricating solution that can help dampen any vibrations. Also, keep in mind that worn calipers may simply not fit well anymore. You may need to replace the bushings and other parts that are worn down to make sure they’re not too loose.

When The Rotor Is The Problem

A new rotor will have a smooth surface. When you apply your car’s brakes, the pads squeeze against the rotor and its smoothness helps prevent unwanted noise. Over time, excess heat, and small rocks and other debris can cause scoring on the rotor. When that happens, your brakes can become noisy. The only way to fix a scoring problem is to either replace the rotor or have it resurfaced. It’s unlikely that you’ll have the proper equipment to do the resurfacing at home, so you’ll probably need to take your vehicle to a mechanic.

Noisy brakes can be frustrating, especially because they are so persistent. If you have experience working on your car, you may be able to uncover the root cause yourself. However, most drivers would be better served taking their vehicle to a trained auto technician.

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