Brakes that squeak, squeak, whistle, slam or growl… It’s rather unpleasant and, above all, not very reassuring!
Although in 50% of cases, these noises do not reveal any significant problems or lead to major breakdowns, it is essential to eliminate any risk of danger, leave nothing to chance, the suspected element should be checked. Cleaning or changing a brake compartment will often be enough to eliminate the noise in question.
The brakes are among the most critical component in a car! So remain vigilant and attentive to the slightest alert… This post provides you with a few tips to quickly identify the source of the problem.
1. It squeaks when you brake!
A squeal during braking often comes from a clogged brake component.
Listen attentively and try to determine where the noise is coming from! Front right or left wheel? Rear left or rear right? When you would have spotted the location, spray what is usually called “brake cleaner” on the brake disc behind the wheel. This is a circular piece of metal with several holes in it. It’s a useful product that you can find in a car shop for only about ten dollars.
Please note: disassemble all the wheels if you wish to clean the whole system for safety. Remember to brake hard 5 times in a row when you start the vehicle again so that the brake cleaner spreads well over all the parts.
2. The pedal seems to vibrate…
A muffled noise when you brake, accompanied by small vibrations on the pedal… It’s probably the brake disc that’s warped! The disc is no longer completely flat, and braking causes jerks that you feel directly under the sole.
By disassembling the wheels, you can easily observe the state of the disc; the veil will be visible to the naked eye!
Important: Proceed to change the part without delay, as this malfunction could quickly degrade the entire system.
3. Ouch! The wheel growls…
During the ride, you hear a continuous squealing noise at one of the wheels, which stops when you depress the brake pedal?
Then one of your callipers is probably blocked! This often happens when the brakes are not regularly used, for example, a dormant car in the garage. Try to use the brakes several times to see if the noise persists. If this continues, you will undoubtedly have to change the calliper.
Note: riding with a seized calliper, even slightly, increases fuel consumption and general brake wear. Don’t delay in repairing!
4. Like the sound of scrap metal?
Screeching noise when braking makes you think of 2 steel sheets rubbing against each other… It sounds like your brake pads are dead! It is essential to take care of it quickly because riding with badly damaged pads will inevitably lead to disc damage. This is dangerous and can cause loss of control of your vehicle in case of sudden braking!
On the other hand, your pad wear indicator on the dashboard should have alerted you. If it didn’t work, it’s quite common that a small electrical wire has broken.
Warning: You can’t drive with new brake pads on the left and used ones on the right. This will cause much unstable braking, and wear up other components of your braking system, which can further damage your suspension system! The pads should be changed on both axles (front or rear), i.e. on both sides.
5. The squeaking handbrake…
The parking or parking brake, commonly known as the “handbrake,” which allows the car to stop, acts through a lever operated by the driver. It is very much in use, and with time, it can start to squeak…
Before having to replace the cables, it is vital to maintain this system regularly! Spray lubricant (type WD40) at the base of the lever to distribute and circulate the oil evenly.
Please note: these are standard aerosols available in do-it-yourself (DIY) stores.
Braking a car is a rather complex device. It requires several checks and small attentions to allow it to last longer and cost as little as possible…
Where to go for brake repairs in Melbourne?
It may be necessary to call in a professional who will be able to make a diagnosis, draw up an estimate, and carry out the actions required to repair or maintain a car. Of course, it also involves your safety, and you should never neglect any suspicious noise! Here is a good address to go for a full inspection, whether they are disc or drum brakes: Jobson Electronics in Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy Miami, and Aventura.
And, remember to share your experience with our readers in the comment section below!
