The noise that is produced by the brakes while the vehicle is coming to a halt or slowing down can be a significant safety risk for the driver. If your brakes are creating a noise, such as grinding, squeaking, or screeching, the following information will assist you in determining what the cause of the problem is and whether or not it poses a risk to your safety.
Brake Noise Problems
Brake Rotor
When there is a buildup of rust on the rotor, or when there are rocks or debris lodged in the brake pads that contact the rotor, this can cause the brakes to make a grinding noise. When the brakes are being applied, this noise is typically at its most noticeable level.
Caliper Bolts
Because they contain slides that, if allowed to become dry, are capable of producing noises, these bolts have to be lubricated in order to prevent those noises. Although it is not very frequent, this can be one of the reasons why your brakes are making noise.
When performing a brake job, many auto repair shops will replace the caliper bolts, however if the job is going to be performed at a low cost, they won’t replace the bolts.
Brake Shims
Every time you get your brakes worked on, you need to change the shims. Occasionally, a shop will forget about this, or they may be in such a rush to complete the task that they choose not to replace them.
This can lead to a variety of issues. Shims gradually become worn down to the point where they are totally worn through.
Because of this, there is a possibility that a portion of the shim will come into touch with the rotor or another component of the braking system, which will result in the production of a metal-on-metal noise anytime the vehicle is in motion. New shims to be installed are included with the purchase of any quality brake pad set.
Caliper Piston
The squeaking sound that the brake makes is caused by dirt or debris that has been lodged between the piston and the brake pads. In the event that the back of the brake pads were not lubricated throughout the installation process, then the caliper piston and the pads will be rubbing against one another, which will also result in noise. This is another instance that does not frequently lead to noise, although it is nonetheless possible.
Brake Pads
Lubrication is required on any portion of the brake pad that slides against or comes into touch with the metal components of the brake caliper. If this lubricant is missing, it will very certainly cause the brakes to start generating noise at some point in the future.
When it comes to brakes, any time there is metal on metal contact (with the exception of the pads and rotors), there will be noise unless there is lubrication between the two pieces. This is the case even when the pads and rotors are in place.
Wheel Bearing
Although this is not a likely reason of the sounds coming from the brakes, it is nonetheless important to point up. If you hear a grinding braking noise coming from the area around your wheels… and especially if you feel a vibration that gets louder or quieter when turning, then it is possible that you have an issue with one of your wheel bearings.
Put on the Tabs.
Wear tabs are included with the majority of brake pads. These are little metal tabs that are attached to the brake pads, and they are designed to make contact with the rotors before the pads wear out completely.
This is by far the most prevalent cause of brake noise, and it simply indicates that you need to get your brakes replaced within the next few weeks.