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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What Can Go Wrong With Your Vehicle’s Braking System?

When problems occur within your car’s braking system, they can quickly become a safety issue. Even if you’re able to slow and stop your vehicle, small, barely-noticeable problems are usually warning signs that something serious is wrong, or soon will be.

There are several ways in which the parts that make up your car’s braking assembly can malfunction. The challenge is knowing how to identify the issue. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of common glitches that can impact your vehicle’s brakes. I’ll explain how they manifest so you’ll be able to effectively communicate the trouble to your mechanic.

Low Fluid Levels

Brake fluid is necessary for the entire system to work properly. It circulates from the master cylinder to your tires through a number of hoses and tubes. If the fluid is low, you might notice the pedal feeling soft or staying too low to the floor.

Occasionally, a leak can develop in the hoses. When that happens, you need to have your mechanic identify the leak and replace the part. You should do this as soon as possible; if fluid levels drop too low, you’ll have trouble stopping your car.

Squealing

A few things can cause your brakes to squeal. Some can be easily fixed while others are more problematic. For example, the squeal can be caused by a vibration between your caliper and pads. If that’s the case, the rotors may need to be resurfaced. On the other hand, the noise may be caused by simple dirt and dust build-up in the tires. A quick run through a car wash might resolve the issue.

Scraping

If you’re hearing scraping or grinding, you need new brakes. The noise is caused by metal parts rubbing against each other. When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, let him know about the noise you’re hearing. He won’t be able to simply put new disc pads on to fix the problem. Chances are, he’ll need to resurface the rotors and add new linings. This is not an issue that can be resolved from a “brake special.”

Pulsing Sensation

When you press down on the pedal and notice a pulse, that usually means the rotor has somehow become warped. This can happen for a few reasons, including your brakes overheating, the lug nuts being too tight, or rust having accumulated on the rotor. If you feel pulsing in the pedal, your mechanic will likely suggest resurfacing or replacing the rotor.

The important thing is that you fix brake problems quickly. Remember, glitches that seem minor (for example, low fluid levels) can easily lead to major issues later. If you notice any of the problems above, have your mechanic run a quick test on your braking system based on the warning signs I’ve described. Your safety, and that of your passengers, may be at stake.

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