Squeak and cut the brakes - where does it come from and how to deal with it

Squeaking and grinding are two variants of unpleasant sounds that can be made by both a working brake system and one that requires immediate intervention by a specialist. In any case, it is necessary to determine the source of unnecessary acoustic vibrations, which are not only annoying, but can also cause more serious damage that makes driving unsafe.

Where does the script come from

Unlike grinding, this is the sound that a working brake system can make when the pads are pressed against the disc (drum). At this time, the part vibrates. To get rid of an unpleasant phenomenon, some automakers supply pads with additional pads that dampen vibrations. An easier and cheaper way is to make slots on the surface in contact with the disk. Surely, when buying new parts, many paid attention to these recesses 2-4 mm wide. As a result of such a "modernization", the area of ​​contact with the metal from which the disk is made decreases.




Yes, the braking efficiency when using a pad with a recess is slightly reduced, but there will be no nasty sound. But there are many other reasons for the appearance of a creak.

Protective layer

Assuming that the pads will be stored in the warehouse for a long time and, perhaps, not in the best conditions before reaching the consumer, manufacturers treat their products with protective compounds, which include impurities that interact with the disc. In this case, the brakes will squeak until the protective coating of the pads is worn off. To speed up the process, accelerate to about 100 km / h and brake sharply. Repeat the procedure a couple of times and it is better on a deserted section of the highway, when there are few cars.

Materials of manufacture

Discs are most often made of cast iron, as for the pads, there are several options: linings can be semi-metallic (half or three quarters) with asbestos, ceramic and even organic. Therefore, when one material of manufacture comes into contact with another, a “conflict” may arise. This happens when the car owner, succumbing to advertising, recommendations from friends, etc., begins to experiment: use pads on the car that are different from those that the manufacturer puts.


If you have a budget car, for example, don't shove more expensive organic pads into it in the hope that braking performance will increase dramatically.

Temperature difference

A very common cause of not only the appearance of a squeak, but also cracking of the brake disc. During long trips, the discs, and accordingly the pads, heat up, and if it is cool outside (for example, in the off-season), and on the way there is a puddle into which the wheel falls, the caliper cools sharply.


As a result, the pads, due to the large number of components included in the lining, can change their physical properties. Or, for example: in the heat you stand in line for a car wash. The brakes get hot, and then fall under a stream of cold water. If, after the above events, a creak appeared, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fix it, except by replacing the pads.

Devices

The brake system consists of more than just pads and discs. Any contacting parts of the mechanism can creak: even the pedal itself or the stem in the vacuum booster.



It is better to look for the source of noise together in a car with a muffled engine. One regularly presses the pedal, the second is looking for the "culprit" of the squeak. You can fix it with grease.

Grinding brakes

An even more unpleasant sound, which may indicate wear of parts of the brake system or their poor quality. The reasons for the appearance of a rattle, which is more dangerous than a creak, deserve special attention.

Export

Its indicators are installed on most modern cars. If we take the simplest design, then this is a metal bracket that begins to touch the disc at a certain wear of the pad. As a result, a “signal” rattle occurs, requiring immediate replacement of the worn part. For some time, you can still ride with this sound: the indicator informs you in advance about the problem with the block. But with the replacement it is better not to delay.


If you continue to drive with such a rattle, the problem will spread to the brake disc, which will begin to develop its resource at an accelerated pace. And this part costs much more pads. In addition, as the disc wears out, it gradually becomes thinner, which means that it becomes more sensitive to overheating and sudden changes in temperature. In the latter case, having entered a puddle after a long trip, you run the risk of leaving it already with a broken brake disc. A less dangerous consequence is the deformation of the part.



In this case, the bent disc will contact the block unevenly, which can also cause not only a rattle, but also a beating of the steering wheel when you press the pedal to stop abruptly.

The presence of foreign elements in the system

The design of the brakes (not drum brakes) is obvious in the truest sense of the word: the pads and the parts attached nearby can be observed through the holes in the rim. Therefore, the elements of the caliper are practically not protected by anything, except for the rear casing. When driving on bad roads, you can easily “catch” a small pebble that will get stuck between the guide pads and the brake disc. If the rattle does not disappear after a while, you should carefully inspect the brakes to remove the cause of the unpleasant sound.

Wedging caliper parts

Moving parts may not work correctly during operation. The reasons are very different: the installation of low-quality spare parts, deformation, etc. In this case, after releasing the brake pedal, the rattle may not disappear immediately, but may continue for several more seconds. It is worth thinking about the coordinated work of the parts of the brake system in the case when you notice: set at the same time, for example, the front pads wear out unevenly (the left one is much faster than the right one or vice versa). Only a thorough diagnosis in a car service will help here.


Another reason for the rattle can be eliminated on its own. This is grazing the dustproof rear cover on the brake disc. Such a nuisance can occur due to severe wear of the part or after hitting an obstacle or rough unprofessional repair of the suspension, brakes, etc.


A folded shroud will constantly scrape across the disc. A hammer and a setting will help out here, with the help of which the parts are given their original shape.

Marriage and counterfeit

If the brakes began to squeal (rather than squeak) immediately after installation, the reason most likely lies in the fake pads (disc). Marriage is much less common even among branded manufacturers. There is only one way out - to remove the counterfeit and put the normal parts.

Afterword

In most cases, a creak warns the car owner about problems that have already begun and are coming. Therefore, not paying attention to a sound that is not particularly disturbing (yet) is at least short-sighted. But a rough rattle suggests that something needs to be done immediately so as not to “run into” the purchase of expensive spare parts or not get into an accident.