Why Do Your Brakes Squeak?

Do you own a car, truck, SUV or another type of motor vehicle? If so, you need to know some of the reasons why your brakes squeak so you can avoid the need for costly brake repair in Chino Hills, California! Here are some causes of squeaky brakes.

Worn brake pads

Worn out brake pads is one of the top reasons for disc brake squealing. The built-in piece of metal on disc brake pads acts as a wear indicator, so it will make a squeaking or squealing sound when too much brake pad material has worn away. This sound is the wear indicator making contact with the rotor, which is not a good thing. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to have worn brake pads replaced.

If the brake pads are making contact with the rotor and you don’t get them replaced, then the pads will wear all the way through. The backing plate will begin to wear grooves into the rotor, and you will notice the squealing noise is now a grinding noise. To ensure that the squeaking does not worsen, the rotors need to be resurfaced before the new brake pads go on.

Glazed rotors and pads

Sticky break calipers are another possible cause of brake squealing. This is when the brake remains partially applied. The brake pad stays in constant contact with the rotor, creating excessive friction, which leads to heat. Overheated pads produce a glazing—the pads harden and crystallize. Glazing can happen to the rotors, too. Where’s the squealing sound coming from? That would be the result of these two very hard surfaces coming into contact with one another, as the brake pad and rotor have to come together to stop the vehicle.

Crystallization of the pads and rotors means there’s much less friction. This leads to weakened brake power and squeaking brakes, and the only way to stop the sound is to replace the pads and resurface or replace the rotors.

Busted anti-rattle clips

An anti-rattle clip secures the brake pad to keep it from vibrating or rattling every time you apply the brakes. In this case, the only way to avoid pad vibration that will lead to squeaking is to replace worn or broken anti-rattle clips.

When not to worry too much

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not unusual for your car’s brakes to make a squealing sound every now and then. Concern should only arise when the problem is consistent. Normal squealing can be due to hot brakes, brakes that are under extra pressure and even the vehicle’s age. Or, maybe you use your brakes all the time because you’re regularly driving down steep hills and mountain roads—this often leads to squealing brakes. Certain types of brake pads, like high-performance carbon-metallic pads, are especially susceptible to squeaking.

If you need brake repair in Chino Hills, California, bring your vehicle to the professionals at Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing. Contact us to schedule an appointment anytime—we look forward to helping you!

Categorised in: Brake Repair

This post was written by Writer