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Are My Squeaking Brakes a Sign of a Problem
I personally consider torture to being forced to listen to a person run their nails down a chalkboard. I will admit, however, that continually squeaking brakes come a close second. Do squeaking breaks mean there is a problem?
Stand at an intersection these days and you can hear a most foul symphony. What is it? Squeak, squeak, squeak as cars come and go. I don’t remember my parents’ car squeaking so much, so what is going on? Are all these cars suffering from brake problems? Maybe, but it is very unlike. The issue of squeaking comes down to one issue – brake pads.
Over the years, brake pads have evolved. Unfortunately, this is an area where the new form used are not necessarily that much better. The latest, greatest pads are now semi-metallic. They work by squeezing a rotor when you press down on the brake pedal. The more you push down, the tighter they get. The problem is metal tends to squeak when friction builds up. This is what you hear when your brakes squeak.
So, does the squeaking mean there is a problem with the brakes. A certain amount of it is normal. If the brakes are squeaking constantly or you feel a grinding sensation through the pedal or steering wheel, it can mean there is a problem. Also, if your car pulls to one side when braking, it is sign you may have a problem.
Okay, I probably don’t have a brake problem, but the noise is driving me insane. Is there anything I can do to put a stop to it? Fortunately, you are not the only one complaining about the problem. Where there are complaints, there is some company ready to sell you a solution. In this case, you can buy strips to put on the back of the pads. They act to dampen the vibrations and noises made. Unless you are familiar with your brake system, you want to have a mechanic slap them on for you. The silence is worth paying a few bucks to have it done.
Squeaking brakes can make your teeth rattle after awhile. Fortunately, the squeaking alone is not an indication you need to make a repair. If it bothers you to no end, then buy noise dampeners to keep the noise to a minimum.
Dirk Gibson writes about issues surrounding auto parts and accessories for DCJAutoParts.com – your online resource for car parts.
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