What Are The Causes Of Brake Noise In Your Car?

Which Type Of Brake Noise Does Your Vehicle Has?

It’s not unusual for vehicles to exhibit brake problems and brake noise. If you’re concerned that something is wrong with your brakes or you’ve noticed a new noise coming from your brake system, schedule an appointment with your Mesa auto repair shop for inspection, diagnosis, and any necessary repairs so that you can feel confident that your brakes are in good working condition to protect the safety of yourself and other drivers.

What Causes Brake Noise?

There are many types of noises that can come from brakes, which can be caused by a wide variety of different problems. The amount of friction that will take place between brake pads and rotors will vary depending on the type of brake pad material, temperature, humidity levels, force of braking, and other factors.

When you press on the brake pedal with your foot, the brake pads are pressed forcefully against the brake rotors, which slows the tires and ultimately stops the vehicle. Some components of the braking system that reduce vibration and alleviate some of the noise associated with braking, but new noises should be investigated to ensure that your braking system is functioning properly.
Most vehicles utilize soft compound braking systems, which may cause brake dust on the wheels and more rapid wear of the brake pads, but reduce the overall noise coming from your brakes. High performance applications tend to use hard compound braking systems, which make less brake dust, provide increased braking performance, and use longer lasting brake pads, but result in a high level of braking noise.

Regardless of which type of braking system your vehicle has, unusual noises should be inspected and repaired. If your vehicle’s braking system is making noise, your Tempe mechanics will inspect the system, determine which type of noise is being made, and ultimately diagnose and repair the issue so that your braking system works the way it was designed.

What Problems May Indicate The Different Types Of Brake Noise

Along with a visual inspection, the noise coming from your brakes can offer a clue into what problem the system is experiencing.

Squeaking Or Groaning

If your brakes are making a groaning or squeaking type of sound when you press on the brake pedal, a new brake pad may be needed. When brake pads begin to wear down and become too thin, they need to be replaced for the safety and effectiveness of your braking system.

Ratting Or Clunking

If your Phoenix car and auto repair professional hears a ratting or clunking sound, they will inspect the brake pad shims and mounting hardware to ensure they are in good condition. Sometimes these types of noises result from excessive clearance, adjustment, or shimming in the system. In other cases, the brake rotor hardware can become dislodged from the caliper brackets and begin to rub on the brake rotor. Your professional car technicians may replace the brake rotors and/or brake pads and apply a lubricant to the brake pad to reduce the noise and fix the problem.

Dragging Sound

This can be caused by seized brake calipers and sliders. Your Scottsdale auto repair shop will examine these components of your braking system to check their condition along with the brake hydraulic system and the caliper piston boot. Cracks, breaks, poor sealing, and water entry into the caliper piston cavity can cause the brake pad to drag, which will result in excessive heat and a warped brake rotor. If the damage is severe, the excessive heat can cause damage to the wheel bearing.

Vibration

If you notice a vibration feeling when you apply the brakes, your vehicle may have brake judder, which is essentially a warping of the brake rotor. This happens when the brake rotor is worn down unevenly. You may feel the vibration through the brake pedal, floor of your vehicle, and even the steering wheel. Brake judder is typically more noticeable when you are slowing down from a higher speed and can be caused by a very small amount of uneven wear in the brake rotor. If the brake rotor is damaged beyond the minimum thickness indicated by the manufacturer, your Tempe auto repair shop will need to replace it. Rust, corrosion, and other signs of damage also indicate a need for brake rotor replacement.

Get Your Brake Noise Examined & Repaired By Tempe’s Trusted Mechanics

Brakes are a crucial component of any vehicle for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. If your brakes are making noise, vibrating, or no longer working well, schedule your appointment with Scottsdale Muffler. Our friendly and honest mechanics will carefully examine your entire braking system to find the cause of the noise, help you understand what repairs or replacements are necessary, and ensure that your brakes are functioning properly. As a family owned business, Scottsdale Muffler has been serving the community for over 20 years and has developed a reputation for honest and affordable repairs on all makes and models. Contact us today for an inspection and repair estimate on your brakes!