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As you apply the brakes, the metal backing plate of your Honda’s brakes come in contact with the rotor. This can sometimes cause a high-pitched squeaking noise. In this article, we will discuss a few reasons why brakes squeak, and we will also find out how to handle squeaking brake issues.
Reasons Why the Brakes Squeak
- Worn or Thinning Brake Pads: Brake pads are designed with a metal indicator that makes a high-pitched warning sound when they’re nearing the end of life. This is the most common reason for squeaking brakes.
- Lubrication Needed: Lack of brake fluid will increase friction and cause your brakes to grind and squeak.
- Metallic Brake Pads: Sometimes, it’s not that your brake has a problem, but it’s the material that makes your brakes squeak. Make sure you ask a professional mechanic about this.
- Rusted Rotors: Rusted or corroded rotors will create uneven contact with the pads and will make a squeaking or squealing sound.
- New Brakes are Squeaking: Brand-new brakes can also squeak. This is because all the components are getting adjusted and bedded in. If it continues for too long, then take it back to the dealer or bring it to a professional mechanic.
- Overnight Moisture: If you hear your brakes squeak first thing in the morning, it is probably because the brakes were exposed to moisture overnight. Rain or snow could have caused a very thin layer of oxidation in the brake components. There’s not too much to worry about because after you drive your car for a while this will fix itself.
- Brake Glazing: When there is too much heat and pressure on your brakes, they will get glazed. It means they harden and crystallize. This usually happens due to poor driving habits, like hard braking often or riding the brakes for too long, especially while going downhill.
- Brake Dust, Rotor Debris, Road Grime, and Other Debris: It is not surprising that road dust, pebbles, and other debris will create problems in your brake. Also remember, even on brand-new brakes you might get brake dust or rotor dust, which is normal. This is the fine metal dust created due to the brake parts grinding on each other.
- Stuck Caliper: If the calipers are stuck due to lack of lubrication or debris, your brakes will squeak.
- Heavy Loads: Overloading your car is a very bad idea. it will not only ruin your brakes but it will damage your transmission The reason is obvious, because your car is under extra pressure that was not intended for it.
- Improper Installation: Needless to say, carelessly installed brakes will have many issues. This is why it is always important to have professionals do the job.
- Poor Braking Habits: If you are in the habit of riding your brakes for long periods of time, or simply brake hard as you go really fast and come to a stop quickly, you will ruin your brakes. These habits cause the brake components to overheat and glaze.
How To Handle Brake Squeaking Issues?
- Replace Brake Pads: When brake pads are glazed, there is usually nothing else to do than replace them. Make sure you ask a professional mechanic what is required.
- Resurface Rotors: Rotors can be resurfaced so that grooves and rough spots are removed. This can give a little bit more life to your brakes.
- Use Brake Pad Lubricant: Lubricant or brake fluid is extremely important for brakes to work properly.
- Cleaning Debris: Cleaning up dirt, debris, road grime, oil, and other contaminants from between the rotor and pad can help.
- Change Your Driving Habits: Unsurprisingly, this is a very important factor in being able to keep your brakes in good working condition. Stop jackrabbiting or gunning your car. Sudden acceleration and stops or riding your brakes for an extended period of time is a bad idea. Try to drive in an even-keeled manner and use the brakes for emergencies only.
Take the Next Steps at Bruce Cox Imports
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