My brakes make a clicking noise when I apply them. Does this mean they are failing? If so, how much to fix.?

Question

The car is a '99 Ford Escort Sport ZX2. The clicking sounds like it is coming from the front right. It only seems to make a noise at slower speeds. Also when I am stopped and push the brakes down more it can give a little click.

Answer 1

Brakes do not normally make a clicking noise, even if they are failing.

Does the noise increase and decrease when you go faster or slower? Do you hear it when you turn corners too?

Clicking from the wheels is most often a sign of wheel bearings wearing out or (at minimum) needing a good greasing. Sometimes the clicking is more noticable on corners or when you are braking, because the forces on the wheel bearing changes under those conditions.

I would run by a tire/brake shop and have 'em take a look.

if it is a wheel bearing, it shouldn't be as expensive as a brake job would be. The bearings are usually only $20 or so, and the labor is pretty easy.

Answer 2

Car Type & Year? Front or rear? or you're not sure?

Rear; Sounds like the Brake Hardware has broken, Tare Down and maybe New Drums.

Front; Some type of matter cought under the calliper, Calliper Cracked!

Price; Depends on what is found!

Answer 3

Clicking sounds like foreign object on rotor or pads. You can remove wheel to see exactly how thick your pads still are, when they get low they usually emit a high pitch squeek from the wear indicators. Wouldnt worry unless a click turns into a clunk/

Answer 4

If its a clicking noise then it doesn't necessarily mean they are failing. You will usually hear a screeching sound when they start to fail and tear down. Just have them removed as you may have something lodged in the area.

Answer 5

Your brake pads are going out. 80$ a side.