I have an idea what it is. But I would like to hear what others have to say. I just went to pull out of the parking lot at my building, and the squeal when I touched the brakes scared me enough to decide not to go anywhere. Please help!? I am a little freaked about this...
Also if anyone here is good with cars or knows anything about it, I would be happy if you'd let me message you about it. Thank you. ~Holly
2006-07-15 03:54:56 · 26 answers · asked by Holly 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It has also "sputtered" a little after sitting too long at a stop-light and having to go again. Before these things started to happen, something didn't "feel right" as I drove... but I don't really have extra money right now so I thought I'd wait a bit. But now it seems urgent!! *sigh*
2006-07-15 03:58:24 · update #1
Like everyone has said, it's pads.
It is urgent in the sense that if you don't get them fixed ASAP, then it will definitely lead to other problems. You will start to cut into the brake rotors, or the rotors may start to warp and cause your brakes to pulse (both require resurfacing the rotors or brand new rotors), let it go long enough and you will cause caliper damage ($cha-ching$).
Not to mention, it's kind of important to be able to stop your car as easily and efficiently as possible.
It's probably just front pads. If you're lucky then that's it and you've caught it in time. Depending on what you drive, you are looking at anywhere from about $75 to $350. Some cars use pretty fancy pads and they get pricey. Dealers will charge you the most, generally small, friendly, local shops are the best for pads as monkeys can install most of them without trouble.
Good luck.
2006-07-15 04:06:43 · answer #1 · answered by jkk109 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If your car is relatively new, the brake pads may be a little glazed and this can cause squeaking. It will wear away given time or a brake shop could rough up the pads to eliminate the sound quickly.
If your car is older, then the pads could be worn down enough so there is no more braking material left on the pads and the backing metal is touching the brake disc. This may squeak and may be accompanied by a grinding sound as you pull up to a stop. It is important to get new pads immediately in this case.
Good luck.
2006-07-15 11:03:14 · answer #2 · answered by Mark Zed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but most of the other answers here are either incomplete or downright wrong.
Squealing or squeaking in your brakes (as opposed to a grinding or growling sound) is relatively harmless. There are two common causes. A buildup of brake dust between the pads and rotors, or worn out anti-squeal shims on the back of the pads.
If it is a grinding or growling noise, the brakes are worn out and need IMMEDIATE service.
Some brake pads have a small metal tang on them that will rub on the rotors when the pads are nearly worn out. This tang will make a high-pitched squealing noise when you are NOT using the brakes. The squeal will STOP when you step on the brakes.
So, if the noise is only when you step on the brakes, there's nothing much to worry about. It's annoying, but harmless. If the noise is only when you do NOT step on the brakes, your brakes are nearly worn out and need to be serviced.
2006-07-15 11:00:54 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your brake pads are worn down. Some cars have a piece of metal that contacts the rotors, makes an awful noise to let you know the pads need changing too. Some pads get down to metal rivets when they are worn, and this makes the noise from metal to metal contact. If the noise has just started, then you are probably lucky in the fact that you probably just need brake pads. Let it go and you may be replacing the drums or rotors too.
Getting brake pads done is not that expensive. They are easy to do, and don't take long.
2006-07-15 11:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by rkfire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brakes on my car squeaked for about a year. Then when I was planning a long trip with passengers I decided to have them checked. Front brakes needed new pads (think that is the correct term) and the cost was $200. You can take the car in for a free brake check and estimate (not the dealer).
2006-07-15 11:06:28 · answer #5 · answered by Toni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other answer is what I would have said. Brake Pads. My car was doing the same thing and I had them replaced. It's not too expensive, but you probably want to go get it checked out. B/C if you let it go, it could start to damage your brakes which could get pricey. (Also, just my personal feeling, if it would be something else, brakes aren't something I'd mess around with! They're really important. :-) )
2006-07-15 11:00:41 · answer #6 · answered by Amalthea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are metal rivets in the brake pads to warn you that your brake pads need to be replaced. To replace brake pads you will need a jack, Dot 3 brake fluid, a 3/8 inch open end wrench, a large C-Clamp and a 1/2 inch or 9/8 inch open end wrench.
2006-07-15 11:19:16 · answer #7 · answered by green3ch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brake pads have squeakers attached to indicate when they a needing replacement. Have the pads changed and it will stop. A little metal bracket stiscks out on the pad and contacts the rotors before the pad gets into the rivets. This is to alert you when the need replacement because if the pads wear into the rivets, it damages the rotors as well.
2006-07-15 10:59:10 · answer #8 · answered by turbietech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some brakes have a warning device to tell the person brake pads are near the end.
Sometimes the pads themselves make noise because of dust, rocks, or the metallic in them.If you still have good brakes go where you have to, later bring it to a mechanic.
2006-07-15 11:00:11 · answer #9 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your brakes pads need to be replaced. This squeal is a built in feature so when this noise starts, you know it is time to replace the pads. If you go to long you will cause damage to the rotors, in turn this will make the repair cost much higher.
2006-07-15 11:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by Mark F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋