Squeaking brakes – causes and when to see a workshop

In short: if the brakes squeak only in the morning or after rain and the noise goes after a few stops, the cause is usually surface rust on the discs. If the squeal is constant, you hear metallic grinding or braking feels different, have the brakes checked soon.

The most common causes of squeaking brakes

• Surface rust on the discs – after a damp night a thin layer of rust forms and squeaks for a moment. Harmless if the noise goes.
• Worn brake pads – many pads have a wear indicator, a metal tab that starts to squeal when little friction material is left.
• Pads worn to the metal – metallic grinding means the pad backing plate is scraping the disc. The disc gets damaged quickly.
• Glazed pads or discs – after heavy heating the friction surface polishes and squeals.
• Sticking calipers or guide pins – the pad keeps rubbing, causing noise, heat and uneven wear. Read: dragging brakes.
• Rusty rear brakes – in Finnish conditions rear discs rust because they are used less, especially on hybrids and EVs.

When is a squeal dangerous?

• The noise comes with every stop and does not go away
• You hear metallic grinding or scraping
• The pedal vibrates or the car pulls when braking
• The brake pad warning light is on
• One wheel is clearly hotter or dirtier than the others

In these cases the pads or discs most likely need replacing. The longer you wait, the more likely the discs will need replacing too.

Brake check at IVERA

We measure the pads and discs, check that the calipers and guide pins move freely and give you the price before any work. See brake pad and disc replacement and brake fluid change.

Read also

• Dragging brakes – causes and repair
• Brake fluid change interval