How to fix squeaky or noisy brakes

Even the least mechanically minded among us would agree that it’s important our brakes are fully functioning – and any sound that indicates there might be something wrong is not what we want to hear. What could be the cause of these noises? Are there any easy brake noise solutions? And when do you need to get a mechanic involved?

The easy fix: dust

If your brakes are squealing, several things could be to blame, says Marcello Riotto, director of the MTA Institute

; a provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland. If you’re lucky, the issue is dust.

“Accumulation of brake dust will cause squeaking,” Riotto says. And all you need to fix it is a hose.

“Just poke the hose through the rim. Don't do it when the car’s hot, because hot and cold potentially could cause some issues with the rotors, but if the car's been sitting, there are no issues around washing down that brake area. You'll see lots of dust come away. That may solve the problem.”

If your rim design doesn’t allow you to access the brake area from the outside, turn your wheels full lock so you can hose from the inside, Riotto says. Then turn full lock the other way so you access the other front wheel.

If your brakes squeak when you first start driving, then the noise goes away, the issue might not be dust, but rust. A light surface rust that can appear overnight is usually dislodged with the first application of the brakes.

Pad problems

Squeaking may be your brake pads’ way of telling you that they’re worn. Pads have a wear indicator, a piece of metal that squeals when the brake pads have worn beyond a certain point. It's basically doing what it’s designed to do,” Riotto explains. “It tells the driver, hey, there’s something wrong with my brakes.”

If your brake pads are new, squeaking might indicate that they are not compatible with your rotors. Alternatively, your pads may have a high metal content – either because they are heavy-duty pads, or because they are from the cheaper end of the spectrum (and might be not just making a noise but wearing out your discs, too). Always buy a reputable brand.

If you’ve using the brakes a lot lately, the squeak might indicate you have glazed pads, from excessive use. “If you’re coming down a mountain range and you’ve got your foot on the brake for a long time it could overheat, and you get a glazing effect,” Riotto says. It’s possible to get pads deglazed, but it might be more cost-effective to replace them.

Improperly installed pads or a rock piece of debris stuck between the pad and the rotor are also potential causes of squeals.

Jobs for a mechanic

Brake issues should be attended to as soon as possible. And if the noise you’re hearing has turned into a grind, rather than a squeal, you really need to get it fixed yesterday.

A grind means you’re hearing metal on metal

, which probably indicates that there's no more friction material on the brake pads. You may have to replace rotors too. Book in with a mechanic as soon as possible.

So which problems can you tackle yourself? That depends on your level of expertise. Most of us can hose dust away. Some drivers may be capable of taking a wheel off, and removing a lodged rock, or identifying worn pads and replacing them. But for most people, brake issues are best tackled by qualified mechanics.

Safety should obviously be your number one priority when it comes to brakes; this is not something you want to make a mistake with. You should also consider the fact that cars aren’t as simple as they used to be. “It’s starting to get tricky with all the electronics and sensors connected to pads,” Riotto says.

For peace of mind – and peace in the neighbourhood – get that squeal checked out by an expert.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}