Why do my Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slow? (+ Solutions)

Do your brakes squeak when stopping slow, yet you don’t know what is happening? There are many reasons why it squeaks, and there are ways or methods of dealing with them.

If you are experiencing this problem, Don’t worry; Here, you have answers on how to make your brake not squeak and run effortlessly.

Read on!

There are several other reasons your brakes squeak when stopping slow; they include:

1. Moisture

When the climate is so humid or if it rains, your brake may start making a squeaking sound due to moisture accumulating in the brakes. It also affects the location of the vehicle’s brake pads and rotors. It might not be a serious problem but can be very annoying.

Even though water enters your brake pad, it does not make it work differently. It just makes it sound different. You don’t have to bother. However, if this always happens even though the weather is friendly, below are some other causes to consider.

2. Glazing

If the caliper of your brake is covered with a glaze layer, then squeaky sounds will be heard. When you press the pedal, the brake stops the car. If there is so much friction and heat, they become stiff. This could stop your vehicle while making a screeching noise.

3. Panic Braking

If your brakes are suddenly or so hard, your vehicle’s brake pads would easily wear out. Likewise, rotors or Brake discs could become hot if your vehicle brakes so much. When this occurs, you will hear your brake making sounds as soon as you pack the vehicle.

Also Read: Squeaking Noise While Driving but Not Brakes Applied (Solved)

4. Drum Brake Lubrication

The shoe connecting the backplate may need a lubricant should you notice a squeaking sound from your brake pad as you are pushing the pedal. Assuming the brake shoe is not well lubricated using grease, in such a situation, it will start making some sound when you apply the brakes.

Lubricating the brake shoe is necessary because it helps the parts avoid direct contact and subsequently prevents the noise. This can be prevented by applying a substance known as (moly paste-60) or an anti-seize compound.

For a better effect, this solution has to be well applied in-between the brake pad, brake shoes, and at the back of the brake pad, respectively. You are not to apply this solution on the brake pads and this is because it will make it difficult for the vehicle to stop.

5. High Metal Content

Brakes are mostly made of metal. But it becomes abnormal when the metal is too much. When the brake pad comes in direct contact with the rotor, it makes some sounds because of the metal-to-metal contact.

6. Debris

In the same way, water can enter your brake pad, other things can also. For example, they might be greasy, dusty, dirty, etc. When you apply your brake, if you hear a hissing or squealing sound, something may be wrong.

Those “trouble guys” can affect your brake much more than water. Sadly, your brakes may not function. If your brake is making so much sound or is not working as it should, you must fix it.

7. Thinning Brake Pads

Tiny brake pads make squeaky noise when you push the brake. It is informing you that the brake pad needs to be changed.

Most vehicle manufacturers make a part known as “wear indicators” in the systems of their brakes. This informs the drivers that their brake pad is worn out and has to be changed.

Those little metal things are made from steel, which is connected, making use of push-on clips. So you know your pad material is worn off or has started wearing off if the tab hits the rotor.

Also Read: New Brakes Squeaking (6 Causes and Solutions)

How To Fix Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slow?

It is wrong to think that securing the pads very tight to the caliper would stop it from squealing. It does not help at all.

The best thing to do is to change the pads and the rotor when they’re worn off. If you notice the brake pad dust on the wheels, that shows whether the parts are worn out or not. However, replacing the brake is very necessary if they are becoming thin all of a sudden.

If the pad is good, servicing them and another component of the brakes system is advised to stop this squealing sound.

Another method of fixing this issue is to lubricate in between pads and caliper surface using grease at high temperature and replace the shims. This will help decrease the brake sound and separate the vibration.

Also Read: Brake Pedal Squeaking (6 Causes & Solutions by Expert)

Cost of Repairing Squeaking Brakes

If the brake squeaking becomes so annoying and unbearable, or you think it is reducing the brake performance entirely, then you might have to repair your brake. Even though your brakes are not malfunctioning, the noise can be so annoying that you would want to swap in a few new pads.

The cost for buying and replacing brake pads will generally go per axle. Therefore, you would either replace both your front brake at once and your back brake at once. Of course, you can replace all of them, but that would double the price.

On average, the cost of changing brake pads ranges from ($150-$300) for each axle. Though it varies based on the kind of pads, you are using. Based on the materials, you could go to AutoZone and realize that the brake pads cost like ($25-$50) or even more.

Frequently Asked Questions – Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slow

Conclusion – Brakes Squeak When Stopping Slow

Your brakes create friction by pressing brake pads against the rotors in your wheels. This slows down your car and stops it from moving. If your brakes squeak when stopping slow, it is a sign that your brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced.

If your vehicle’s brake system makes some sounds that cannot be ignored or overlooked, get a professional or certified mechanic to inspect it immediately.