Why Do My Brakes Squeak? How To Troubleshoot
Disk brake by David.Monniaux — CC BY-SA 3.0
If you came for an answer to “why do my brakes squeak,” you’re likely annoyed by the sound. That screech that follows with every brake pump is enough to send chills down your spine and create unnecessary stress.
Getting to the root cause of what’s causing your brakes to squeak is one part of the process that you should follow up with a quick fix. Below, we’ll help you diagnose your noisy brakes and share how you can fix them.
How Often Should You Replace Your Brakes?
Like many other car parts, the frequency you’ll need to replace the brakes depends on your personal use. If you floor your brakes often, you’ll likely need to replace them sooner. However, if you drive typically and have no telling signs that your brakes need replacing, you can usually go around 50,000 miles before replacing them. To find your specific suggested replacement time, you can look in the owner’s manual for your car to find out more. Also, watch out for signs and signals like:
- Squeaking or squealing
- Grinding
- A vibration as you push the brakes
- A delay in coming to a complete stop
- A warning sign from your vehicle
- Thin or flimsy-looking brake pads
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Why Do My Brakes Squeak? The Top 5 Reasons
Though there can be many reasons your brakes are making noise, there are the top five. Check these out, along with their quick fixes to get back to enjoying some peace and quiet.
Reason #1 - They May Be Too New
If your car is brand new and you’re asking, “why do my brakes squeak,” it’s a fair question. However, that’s how that stuff works when it’s brand new. Sometimes your car needs some time to break into being driven, needing to get a feel for all the stops and accelerations you put it through. If your vehicle is fresh off the lot and making a bit of a squeaking noise, here is how you can fix it.
Quick Fix:
Grease your breaks. Sometimes, new cars sit for a while and may need some lubrication. To do this, you’ll need to get all the contact points to avoid metal scraping or other connections that cause that horrible screeching sound. You’ll have to remove the brake pads and apply grease. Be sure to avoid the rotor surface and friction surface.
Reason #2 - They Need a Little More Resistance
Not all car makes, and models come with brake pad shims. Some that don’t may lack a bit of resistance and let out a loud noise or two when coming to a stop. Adding shims will absorb extra vibrations and add more cushion to stop the squeal. Luckily, this fix is quick and straightforward and requires little to no technical skills.
Quick Fix:
If your vehicle doesn’t have shims, simply install them on the reverse side of your brake pads. Some car makes, and models come with them, while others must be purchased separately.
Reason #3 - They Need to Be Replaced
We know that car maintenance can be a hassle, but it has to be done. Brakes are one of those things we have to keep in good shape, keeping us safe while driving from point A to point B. The longer you have your brakes or, the rougher you are on them, the faster they will wear out. The longer you go without changing them, the thinner the pads and rotors get, eventually producing that signature squeaking noise. So, if it’s been a while and you’re wondering, “why do my brakes squeak,” it could just be time for a replacement.
Quick Fix:
Luckily, servicing brakes is a standard procedure for your vehicle. Depending on the day, you could be in and out and driving without that horrible squeaking sound. This is not a job for you but one for the pros.
Reason #4 - They are Just Noisy by Nature
Sometimes, we just have to realize that our brakes are noisy. While most of your normal passenger cars are not known to produce noise, other larger vehicles are made heftily and produce different noises here and there. Systems with heavy-duty parts are prone to noise and can get noisier with changes in moisture and temperature.
Quick Fix:
For that, there is no quick fix but maybe a slight change of perception. There may be some fixes that your manufacturer can suggest if the squeaking gets unbearable.
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Reason #5: Your Braking Habits
If you have the habit of doing hard and fast braking (especially at high speeds), you’re causing unnecessary stress on your brake pads’ surface. By braking with reckless abandon, you’re generating excessive heat that may develop a hard glaze on the surface of the brake pads. Sometimes, you must look internally and evaluate your driving and braking habits.
This glazing formation may also occur when you frequently ride the brakes downhill. The constant friction generates excessive heat that may be too much for your brake pads. With too much glazing, the brake pads won’t be able to create enough friction to stop the vehicle, which not only results in squealing brakes but can be dangerous as well.
In addition, it’s also worth mentioning that glazing may also occur due to mechanical or hydraulic failure in the brake caliper.
Quick Fix:
To find out if there’s glazing on the surface of your brake pads, run your fingers through the pads and look for a glossy texture. If you frequently encounter glazed brake pads, you may want to change your braking style. When your brake pads are glazed, you should replace them immediately.
Electric Brakes: What to Do?
If you have a vehicle with an electrical braking system, you might be unable to do any of these quick fixes yourself. Vehicles with electrical systems have a whole different setup and require a professional technician for proper servicing. Please don’t risk it and take your squeaking brakes straight to a mechanic. Electrical parts are much more expensive to replace if you mess them up than traditional car parts.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Stop the Squeal
If you ask, “why do my brakes squeak” it’s because you’re starting to notice, and it’s loud enough to bother you. Getting to the bottom of the cause can help determine your next move. You can take care of many things on your own, and some require the pros to step in. In any case, there is no reason why you should have to suffer from loud noises every time you pump the brakes.
Just like other parts of your car, keep them maintained and in good shape to enjoy a smooth, noise-free ride. Always look for signs that your brakes need to be replaced, and if you’ve been using them for more than 50,000 miles, it’s time to take your car in.
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