You are driving, and you hear a loud, high-pitched squeal. It's coming from your brakes, and it isn't enjoyable. But what's causing this unpleasant noise?
There are a few reasons your brakes might make that annoying squealing sound. It could be due to wear and tear on the brake pads, or something might be wrong with the calipers or brake discs. In any case, it's best to get the problem checked out by an expert auto repair shop in Bixby to ensure it doesn’t become a bigger problem.
Here are a few of the most common reasons your brake might be squeaking.
Reasons Why your Brake Might be Squeaking
Worn or Thinning Brake Pads
The common reason for brake noise is worn or thinning brake pads. This is because brake pads are created with a metal indicator that blares a high-pitched warning when they reach minimal thickness. The high-pitched squeal that annoys you signals that it's time to replace your brake pads.
A thin dusting of rust on your brake pads might make the same squeaking noise, but it will go away after some brake applications. Have your brakes checked immediately by a brake repair near me if you hear the sound. If the squeaking persists and turns into grinding, you'll almost certainly need new rotors and brake pads. This can be more expensive, so it's best to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Dust or Debris Between Your Pads and Rotors
Dust or debris on your pads or rotors can also cause squealing brakes. When you press the brake pedal, this debris is forced between the pad and rotor. In this case, a few sprays of cleaner or sanding down of the surface material typically solves the problem. After a few brake applications, it might also go away, allowing the debris to be wiped out by the friction between the pads and rotors.
Overnight Moisture
It's conceivable that the noise you hear first thing in the morning is entirely natural, especially if your automobile has been exposed to rain, snow, or humidity overnight. When moisture sets in on your brakes, a little rust can quickly collect on the rotors, and when you apply your brakes, this can create a squealing or grinding sound. Fortunately, the rust issue is typically fixable by driving it regularly. Alternatively, you may keep your automobile indoors, just in case you have some extra space, to protect the brakes from moisture.
Your Braking style
The brakes can also affect how often your brakes make noise. If you tend to ride the brakes or press them hard, this can speed up the wear and tear process, making it more likely that your pads need to be replaced sooner.
If you find that your car brakes are making noise more frequently, it's essential to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop in Bixby as soon as possible. Worn brakes can quickly lead to more severe problems, including brake failure. Neglecting the issue will only worsen and could cost you a lot of money in repairs.
Metallic Brake Pads
The brake pad material sometimes causes squeaky brakes. When it comes to brake pads, there are three main types: organic and metallic, and ceramic.
Metallic brake pads are the most widely available type, and they contain between 30% and 65% metallic components such as iron, steel, graphite, and copper. When this type of pad rubs against the rotor, it can cause a squeaking noise. The noise will generally cease when the brake pad reaches that location or layer, but if the racket irritates you, consider using less metal-containing pads.
Organic pads are the most cost-effective but offer lower quality and durability. They also create a lot of dust. If you go this route, check your brakes frequently and replace them.
Ceramic pads are ceramic fibers, copper fibers, and other materials. These offer the best quality, but they're also the most expensive. However, if you choose ceramic pads, you probably won't have to replace them often.
Remember that the brake pad you use will also affect how often you need to replace your brakes.
Lack of Lubrication on Drum Brakes
If your car's brakes are made of drums, the squealing might be linked to a lack of lubrication when the shoes and drum come into contact. As a result, they scrape against the backing plate as the shoes wear down, creating a squeal. Signs of grinding where the bare metal is visible are usually easy to spot. It's as simple as adding brake grease to the backing plate where the piston meets the shoes to repair or prevent squeaky drum brakes.
In Conclusion
If your brakes are squeaking, taking action as soon as possible is essential. While some causes of brake noise, such as moisture, can be benign, others can indicate serious problems that need to be fixed immediately. Taking your car to an auto repair shop in Bixby can get to the bottom of the issue and keep your brakes in good working order.
Comments