DIY: Moderate
Brakes Squeaking: Normal Noise or Time for New Pads?
Brakes are safety equipment, so noise deserves attention. Some squeaks are harmless, but others warn that pads are nearly gone. The type of sound tells you which one you have.
Stay safe first
- A grinding noise, a soft or sinking brake pedal, the car pulling to one side when braking, or a brake warning light means do not drive it. Have it towed or inspected right away.
- Brakes are the one repair where being unsure is a good reason to hire a professional.
High squeal when you brake lightly, every time
Likely causes
- Worn brake pads with a built-in wear indicator touching the rotor
- Glazed pads or rotors
What to check
- Look at the pads through the wheel spokes. If the friction material looks very thin, they are near the end.
- Many pads include a metal tab designed to squeal as a warning, so treat a consistent squeal as a reminder to inspect them soon.
Squeak first thing in the morning or after rain, then it goes away
Likely causes
- Light surface rust on the rotors that wears off after a few stops
- Moisture or dust on the pads
What to check
- If it disappears after the first few stops and never comes back, it is usually harmless.
- If it returns every day or gets worse, have the pads inspected.
Grinding, scraping or a metallic growl when braking
Likely causes
- Brake pads worn all the way down to metal
- Damaged rotors
- Debris caught in the brakes
What to check
- This is past the point of a quick check. Metal on metal damages the rotors and reduces stopping power.
- Have the car inspected before driving it any more than you have to.
Squeaking or chirping that happens when you are not braking
Likely causes
- Stuck caliper or slide pins
- Debris or a loose shield near the rotor
What to check
- If one wheel is hotter than the others after a drive, or the car pulls to one side, a stuck caliper is likely.
- Have it checked soon, since a dragging brake wears out parts and wastes fuel.
Narrow it down for your vehicle
The same symptom can have different likely causes depending on your year, make, model and engine. Describe what you are seeing and CaliperAI will help narrow down the likely causes for your vehicle.
General information about this symptom, not a diagnosis of your specific vehicle. Safety-critical work such as brakes, fuel and airbags is best left to a qualified mechanic.