Why Are My Brakes Squeaking And How To Fix Them?

If a vehicle’s brakes are squeaking, it may indicate a problem with the brake system, which can confuse the driver. Braking system is a very important part of any vehicle, which controls the speed of the vehicle. But sometimes a squeaking noise starts coming while braking, which can also cause failure of the brake system.

Actually, there can be many reasons for brakes squeaking, which can be fixed after investigation. Therefore, in this post we will explain in detail the causes of brakes squeaking and the process to fix them.

How Does Brake System Work?

The braking system of a car consists of brake rotors and brake pads and these pads are squeezed by pistons on either side of the rotor until the rotor stops rotating, due to which your car slows down or stops completely.

Some older technology vehicles use brake drums in their braking system. But there is a principle to his work. In drum brake systems, instead of squeezing the pads on either side of the rotor, the pads are pushed or pulled towards the drum. When this happens, there is excessive friction between the brake pads and the wheel drum, due to which the speed of your car slows down or, depending on the driver, stops completely. In modern vehicles, brake pads are pulled or squeezed by hydraulic brake pistons.

In older-technology vehicles, the brake pads are pulled or pushed by brake wires and rods attached to the brake pedal and modern cars have front and rear discs or rotors. But both types of brakes can be found in many cars. In which disc rotor pad brakes are often given in the front wheel.

Possible Causes of Brakes Squeaking

There can be many reasons for brake squeaking, which are described in detail as follows:

1. Corroded Brake Rotors

The brake rotor is a metal disc with brake pads on either side that are compressed by the pressure of the hydraulic piston, slowing the wheel due to friction between the rotor and the pads. But sometimes brake rotors wear out or rust can form on the rotor, making them dull and rough and the brake pads do not stick well to the surface of the rotor. Due to which you may experience vibration or squeaking noise in the vehicle while applying brakes.

If there is debris between the brake rotor and pads, it will clear out after driving a long distance. But if the rotor is worn or its surface is worn, the mechanic can replace the brake rotor or grind its surface to clean and smooth it.

2. Worn Brake Pads

Brake pads have metal on one side and fiber on the other. The fiber connects to the brake rotor and slows down the rotor speed when braking. But due to excessive wear of the brake pads, the metal starts rubbing against the brake rotor.

Due to which the sound of screaming and shouting starts coming while applying brakes and this can weaken your car’s braking system and excessively worn brake pads can dig into the brake rotor. This can cause the surface of the rotor to become rough and flaky and the entire rotor may have to be replaced.

Sometimes poor installation of the vehicle’s brake components can also cause brake squeaking. Because when brake components are improperly fitted, these components begin to rub against the brake rotor, causing a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. Therefore, when this happens, you should pay attention to the proper installation of brake system components.

Often, when some type of debris gets stuck between the vehicle’s brake rotor and pads, a squeaking noise occurs when the brakes are applied. However, this noise occurs for some temporary period of time. This noise stops as soon as the debris is cleared. If the problem persists for a long time, you will need to pay attention and clean.

5. Bent Rotor Back Plate

There is a thin metal plate attached to the back of the brake rotor. There is a slight gap between this plate and the rotor. Sometimes, this metal plate turns and hits the rotor and while applying brakes, the brake rotor starts rubbing against this plate. Due to which the sound of screaming and shouting starts coming on braking. When this happens, the plate must be turned backward with a screwdriver or rod. so that this rotor back plate does not hit the rotating rotor.

6. Bad Wheel Bearing

If your car’s wheel bearings are damaged, the car’s wheels will vibrate when you apply the brakes, which can cause the brake pads and brake rotors to loosen and make a squeaking noise when braking. You may also experience a weakening of the car’s braking system.

7. Bent Brake Clippers

Clippers play an important role in the braking system of a car. Both ends of the clippers fit on either side of the rotor. Disc pads are fitted at both ends of the clippers. The pressure of the brake clipper piston squeezes the disc pad against the rotor. Due to this, the grip between the rotor and disc pad is maintained.

But sometimes the clippers get bent or these brake clippers can get jammed and stuck. Due to this, the grip between the brake rotor and disc pads becomes weak. Because of which a screeching sound starts coming while applying brakes.

How To Fix Brakes Squeaking?

To stop the brakes from squeaking, you should check the damaged parts of your vehicle’s braking system, clean them, and then fit them. If there is no solution, then you can replace the parts of the braking system with new ones.

• Check the brake rotor surface. If the brake rotor surface has become rough or lined, then you grind it once to make its surface smooth. If the brake rotor is in very bad condition, then you can replace it with a new one.
• Replace worn brake pads with new ones.
• Check the back plate of the brake rotor if it is rubbing against the rotor.
• If wheel bearing is worn or cracked. Then replace the wheel bearing with a new one.
• Check brake clippers, replace damaged clippers with new ones.
• Through this process, you can get rid of the brake squeaking problem.

FAQ’S

Below are some frequently asked questions about brake squeaking.