When you apply the brakes on your automobile, the only thing you should hear is the vehicle slowing down. You can tell your automobile is slowing down because of how your engine sounds. You should not hear screeching or squealing sounds all the time. If you do, Checkpoint Motors warns that there is something going on with your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s brake system that needs immediate attention. Here are some common reasons why you hear screeching noises all the time.
Worn Brake Pads
There is a brake pad on each wheel. This pad is designed with a surface that creates friction. The brake system needs this friction to slow down and stop your automobile. Brake pads are also equipped with noisemakers that screech when the brake pad surface is down to 1/4-of-an-inch. This is the point at which the brake pads need to be replaced.
Glazed Pads/Rotors
Overheating brakes will also screech all the time. When your brake system gets too hot, the brake pads and the rotors “glaze.” Glazing means that the respective parts’ surfaces have become smooth due to excessive heat. When this happens, you may not be able to stop your automobile because there isn’t any friction being generated between the two parts.
Broken Anti-Rattle Clips
Another thing that can cause loud noises when you apply the brakes is the anti-rattle clips. These clips attach the brake pads to the calipers to ensure they don’t move around when you press down on the brake pedal. If the brake pads do vibrate, you will end up with the annoying screeching sound that you are hearing when you use your vehicle’s brakes.
Missing Pad Insulation
When the brake system was manufactured in the factory, the brake pads were insulated. This insulation is installed so that the brake pads won’t squeal. If you didn’t hear screeching until you had your brake pads replaced, it’s possible that they are no longer insulated. An inexperienced automotive service technician may have failed to install new insulation.
Smooth Rotors
Finally, we talked about glazing above, but the rotors can also smooth out. This usually happens at around 60,000 miles. The rotor surface is cut to, again, generate friction. If the surface is no longer cut, your brakes will screech. Re-cutting the rotors helps to solve the problem.
Call Checkpoint Motors in Oregon City, OR, today for a brake inspection if you hear any noises when you apply the brakes. We will get to the bottom of the problem and fix it.
