You can hear the squeak when you can bring your vehicle to a stop due to various factors. Motorists are often confused, because after they hear the sound on their car in the garage for a brake job. In most cases, the squeal is not caused by moving parts against each other. It is not necessarily a sign that some components have (although this may be the reason) worn. Instead, the noise is often produced by vibrations between the pads.
InThis article will examine the possible causes of your car can brake system can generate a sharp squeal when stopping. We'll start with your brake pads and rotors through our street, rattle clips and washers.
The pads are worn
If the pressure on the brake pedal, the pads against the rotor to create friction and compression. This friction is what causes your car to slow down and stop. The problem is the material that presses against the rotors are worn down at the endand needs to be replaced.
A lot of today's brake pads come equipped with a built-in indicator mechanism. When the material that creates friction against the rotors wears down, an indicator clip touches the rotor. This can cause a squealing sound.
The Rotors Are Glazed
In some cases, the calipers can stick in position, forcing the pads to make continual contact with the rotors. This results in constant friction and heat. Over time, the heat will begin to cause glazing on the pads and the rotors.
Keep in mind that friction is a key ingredient to stopping your vehicle. When the pads and rotors become glazed, their respective surfaces become extremely hard. That reduces the amount of friction between them and creates a squeal.
The Clips Are Broken
Anti-rattle clips help to keep your brake pads from shaking whenever you engage your braking system. Like other components, the clips can suffer wear and tear, and eventually break. If the clips lose their ability to hold the pads in place, the pads will begin vibrating which causes squealing.
The Shims Are Worn
When vehicles roll off the factory floor, the brake pads are equipped with shims to help insulate them from the calipers. After thousands of miles, the shims wear down and need to be replaced. Otherwise, you'll likely hear squealing.
Unfortunately, a lot of mechanics neglect to replace the shims while they're performing a brake job. This is one of the reasons drivers often hear a squeal coming from their braking system after having their pads replaced.
The takeaway is that you should address any squealing noises that you hear from your brakes. They seldom go away on their own and often suggest problems that will worsen with time. For example, if your brake pads wear down and begin to squeal, the metal beneath the padding will eventually begin rubbing against the rotors. You'll hear a grinding sound which usually means the rotors will need to be replaced. The sooner you address the root problem, the less expensive it will be.
