Don't Ignore That Sound! 5 Common Causes Of Brake Noise

October 26, 2023

Are your brakes making a grinding noise? Are your brakes making a clicking noise? You might be tempted to crank up the radio to drown it out, but brake noise isn't something you should ignore. Strange brake noises can often be a sign something is wrong with your brake system, and you want to address the issue right away. Learn why your brakes might be making noise and what you can do to fix it.

1. Debris in the Brakes

Debris in the disc brake system can lead to noise. The debris might come from road contaminants, dried mud, or gravel. In the case of gravel, it can become lodged between the brake pad and brake disc, which then creates friction and triggers a squealing sound.

Luckily, brake parts usually don't need to be replaced just because they're dirty. Rather, a qualified technician can gently remove the debris as part of regular brake maintenance.

2. Lack of Brake Lubrication

If you have a vehicle with drum brakes, that squealing sound you hear might be caused by a lack of lubrication between the brake shoes and brake drums. When there's not enough lubrication, the shoes scrape against the backing plate, creating a squeaking noise.

You should be able to take care of this issue by applying brake grease to the backing plate or having a qualified technician do it for you.

3. Worn-Out Brakes

If your brake pads are worn out or thinning, your brakes might generate a squealing noise. This happens when the metal tabs for your car's brake wear indicator (or metal wear indicator) rub against the brake disc.

So, your car is making noise when braking, and the likely culprit is worn-out or thinning brake pads. Now what? It's time to replace the pads. If you go too long without fixing the problem and start hearing a grinding noise, you could damage the brake rotor.

Your brake system should be inspected by a car care professional at least once a year, and the brake pads should be replaced at regular intervals. Your driving habits, such as how often you're in stop-and-go traffic, can affect the lifespan of your brake pads.

4. Overheated Brakes

The squeaking noise from your brakes could be telling you that the brake pads weren't installed correctly. In this situation, a qualified technician can look into the problem and adjust the fit of the brake pads so that the noise stops.

Don't take any chances with your brakes. As soon as you notice a problem, schedule a time for your INFINITI at the nearest authorized service center to diagnose the issue. Once you know the problem, shop INFINITI Parts & Accessories to find the replacement brake parts you need.