Causes and Solutions for Brake Noise (Low & Fast Speed)

You want to be able to stop an accident by pushing the brake pedal down. Brake noise can create uncertainty as to whether or not the system works. How can brake noise be caused? It depends on whether your speed is low or high. 

You could have brake pads that are worn out, rotors that are defective or broken hardware. It’s also possible that you’ve let the car sit too long and the brakes need to be used. If there’s any dirt or debris on the brakes, they can also make strange noises when applied. 

This guide will discuss the causes and types of brake sounds. This guide also discusses how to resolve the most prevalent brake problems. 

Different Brake Noises

1. The Squealing

While squealing can be annoying, it’s not normally an indication of something serious. However, brakes can become contaminated and squeal often occurs. 

Whether you left the car to sit for an excessive amount of time or the brakes got dirty, a little driving might be all that’s needed to end the squeal. The noise should cease once the brakes have been used. 

2. You can squeak

A brake squeak is usually the first sign that your brakes are wearing. When the brake pads wear, and come in contact with the rotating part of the drum, there will be a squeak when the brakes are applied.

Cheap brake pads can cause squeaking. You are likely to experience strange sounds as you press the pedal. 

Reported: Why do Brakes Make Noise? – Common Causes & How to Fix it

3. Grinder

Alarm should be given if you hear a grinding sound. You should immediately visit the shop if you hear any grinding sound. 

When the brake pads are too low, grinding is common. This could lead to severe damage, and it will make it impossible to stop your vehicle. 

RELATED: Do You Make a Grinding Sound When Braking? (Here’s How To Fix it)

The Top Reasons for Brake Noise

1. Broken Brake Pads

Brake noise can be caused by the pad's wear. As the material on the pad gets thinner, it’s more susceptible to making noise, especially if it reaches the wear indicators.

Wear indicators make a noise when the material gets lower. You can replace the pads with this alert before any further problems occur. 

RELATED : How often should brake pads be replaced? (5 Signs It’s Time)

2. Brake pads of low quality

If you’ve recently put new brake pads on but are hearing a noise, it could be due to the quality of pads you’ve chosen. There are many materials that brake pads can be made of, with some being more expensive than others.

Low-quality brake pads can cause noise and are made from substandard materials. You could also face trouble if you opt for aftermarket brake pads that don’t hold up to OEM standards. 

RELATED: Which Brake Pad is Best? Ceramic or Organic

3. Worn Rotors

The brake pads can become too low and the metal will contact the rotors. This will not only make the brake pedal vibrate, but can cause damage to the rotor's surface.

The cost of replacing the rotor and pads will be higher. That’s why it’s important to change the brake pads at the first sign of wear. 

When the pads are worn out, they will leave an edge at the brake disc that can cause creaking sound during braking. You may just need to smoothen the edge.

RELATED: 7 Symptoms of Bad Brake Rotors (& Resurface Cost)

4. Brake Contamination

The brakes can get contaminated if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions. If the contaminants are larger, such as tiny rocks, you might even hear grinding when you aren’t touching the brakes.

It is possible to reduce the amount of dirt and dust that builds up on your brake system by washing it regularly. Driving can sometimes reduce contamination. 

5. Defective Calipers

If a caliper gets stuck or isn’t operating correctly, you could hear a grinding-type sound. This noise can occur when braking and when you aren’t trying to stop. You may also notice other signs, like pulling one way.

There’s also the chance that the caliper screws aren’t properly lubricated. With any of these situations, it’s important to have it looked at right away. 

6. Broken Shims

A brake pad shim can be made out of either a thin rubber substance or a metal material. To fill in the noise gaps between brake pads and calipers, it is placed on top of them.

When the shim is worn, however, there can be movement that could cause a grinding or ringing sound. When you brake at lower speeds, you may hear knocking. 

7. To Long Car Parking

You might notice strange sounds from your brakes when you start the car if it has been sitting in a parked place. It is likely that the issue will be worse if your vehicle has been parked in adverse weather conditions. 

The brakes can be corroded and rust by water vapor. That’s why it’s important to store your car in a garage if it won’t be driven. 

How to fix brake noise

1. Take the car for a test drive

You can drive the vehicle for as long as you like to check if it makes any noises. You can also do this if your car is parked after a heavy rainstorm.

Some cases the moisture needs to be evaporated through braking. If the pads are contaminated or dirty, you can improve their condition by a bit of braking. 

2. Inspect Entire System

If the noise isn’t caused by moisture or contamination of the brakes, you want to perform a complete inspection. Check the pads, rotors, hardware and every aspect of the system to determine what’s wrong.

At this time, it’s also wise to take a look at the brake fluid. While it’s unlikely this is causing your issues, you just want to make sure that the fluid is topped off and looks clean. 

3. Change Brake Pads

To check the condition of your brake pads, take a close look. Replace the brake pads as soon as possible if they are showing signs of wear.

This should be done at the first signs of wear. If you don't, the rotors might need to be replaced. 

4. Tighten Loose Parts

If the caliper, pads or rotor are wiggling, it’s important to tighten up the hardware for a secure fit. You might need to replace a bolt or clip. 

If the hardware is at fault, vibrations with brake noise might occur. However, a quick replacement is all that’s needed to restore the brakes to normal function. 

5. Change Brake RotorS

It is necessary to replace brake rotors that are too worn or damaged. If the brake rotor is damaged or too thin, it should be replaced. Otherwise, your pads may wear prematurely. 

You can sometimes have the rotor repaired. This is a simple way to extend the life of existing equipment and it's cheaper than replacement.