Squeaking/squealing noise when I’m driving but stops when I hit the brakes
Hi my car just ran into a little issue, when ever I was driving then suddenly heard a squeaking noise coming from the front of the car, though when ever I hit the brakes it stops, would could this be? Bad interior pads, wheel bearing?
My car has 149000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
In all likelihood, the brake pad wear sensors are just beginning to contact the brake rotors. This will create a loud squealing sound that may change pitch, or stop completely when the brakes are applied. Have a certified technician inspect the brakes for noise as soon as possible.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
When your brakes squeal continuously as you drive along the road, but the squealing stops when you press the brake pedal, the most likely cause is the brake wear indicator touching the rotor`s surface.
Some common causes for squeaking include faulty serpentine belts, power steering systems, brake pads, or suspension. Although you may ignore the noise, it`s counterintuitive as it indicates a problem with your vehicle. Leave it unattended for too long, and you may have a bunch of expensive repairs on your hands.
The belt squeals because there is improper tension in the belt drive system. This is usually caused by a worn automatic tensioner, but other causes can include a contaminated belt (oil, belt dressing, etc.) or a belt that is too long or worn out.
The frequency of the noise will also change in proportion to vehicle speed, but will often go away or change when the brakes are lightly applied.
But if you hear a hissing sound when pushing down or letting up on the brake pedal, it usually is caused by the brake booster leaking air, which could mean there`s a leak in the booster diaphragm, master cylinder gasket, or vacuum hose. The brake booster relies on vacuum pressure to do its job.
Your squeak could be a number of things that only experience will help you determine. A failing wheel bearing, brakes are at the end of their life, a rock caught in a dust shield, a bent dust shield, dry u-joint or CV axle and the list goes on.
You may hear this sound while accelerating or right after starting when the engine is cold. A loose or worn fan belt, also known as the serpentine belt, is usually the cause. Replacing this belt or belt pulley should eliminate the sound. Consider having the timing belt checked as well.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
new brakes squeak while moving, but noise stops when applying breaking pressure
ANSWER : Hi there. First off, you have my favorite year of Corvette – the 62’ is awesome! Second, the brake squeaking issue is likely due to excessive brake dust collected in between the rotor and the pad or perhaps a wheel bearing that is starting to show early signs of normal wear and tear. It’s also possible that the pad is lightly dragging on the rotor. This can be caused by excessive brake pressure or a caliper or brake booster that is not working correctly. The best thing to do is spray off the front wheels and behind the wheel first, to knock off any excessive brake dust to see the noise goes away on it’s own. If it does not or the noise is progressively getting worse, have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can try and replicate the noise and pinpoint it’s source, so the right repairs can be made.
Brake sensor is to sensitive causing brakes to flicker while driving. 2005 Mercury Montego
ANSWER : Hi there – your brake light switch needs a minor adjustment. It is adjusted too "tight" or close to the brake pedal lever, or possibly has failed. Adjusting/replacing it will eliminate this flickering problem. I recommend a brake light isn’t working inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
I changed my brakes and they still squeak I applied the brake stop squeak and they still squeak
ANSWER : Hi there. The leading cause of brakes squealing after replacing the pads is excessive brake dust trapped between the caliper and the rotor. Typically when brake jobs are completed, a professional mechanic will spray brake cleaner liberally on the calipers and rotor to remove any brake dust that has embedded in between the two components. If this is not completed, the extra brake dust will be trapped between the fresh pad and the rotor. When heated, it can create an annoying squeaking noise. The best way to resolve this issue is to remove the tires, place a drip pan under the hub and spray brake cleaner along the caliper and the rotor. Let it dry for a few minutes then reinstall the tire, torque it down correctly and test the brakes. If this does not resolve your problem you might want to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a brake system inspection.
Squeaking/squealing noise when I’m driving but stops when I hit the brakes
ANSWER : In all likelihood, the brake pad wear sensors are just beginning to contact the brake rotors. This will create a loud squealing sound that may change pitch, or stop completely when the brakes are applied. Have a certified technician inspect the brakes for noise as soon as possible.
I hear chirping from under the hood most prevalent while braking. The noise stops when the car is no longer moving.
ANSWER : Hello there. Thanks for the detailed description on your inquiry – it really helps us out. Based on what you have indicated, my first assumption would be that you have a loose serpentine / drive belt or a pulley that is showing early signs of wearing out. When the noise happens during breaking and normal operation, it tends to be caused by a belt that is frayed or loose. As you accelerate, the belt will tighten naturally; which is why the sound might slow down during idle. If the belt and pulley’s have not been replaced within 40,000 miles or so, it’s probably due to be completed. Since it’s possible that this could be from a different source, it’s also a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection to verify the source of this noise before making repairs.
Rear brake squealing noise goes off when brakes applied.
ANSWER : Hey there. If the noise was not there before you replaced the brake pads on your 2014 Audi A4, you might want to try replacing the caliper clips and using a good quality brake lube anywhere the pads make contact with the caliper, caliper piston, and or bracket. If you need to have this looked at, an expert from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the squealing noise and perform the appropriate repair.
Squealing noise?!
ANSWER : Hey there. You have a binding accessory on the engine like the A/C compressor or pulley, power steering pump, or an idler pulley. You should first test the computer to see if the power steering pressure switch is activating by scanning the computer data to see if switch is working. If it is okay, then one of the components are binding and would need to be diagnosed by removing the belt and checking each component for binding. The car may also need a power steering pressure test. If you would like to have this looked at, a certified pro from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the squealing noise and pinpoint the problem.
I own a 2000 f150 lariat 4 x4. 5.4 l. Started getting a loud grinding noise front passager brakes. Replaced brakes and wheel
ANSWER : Hi there. While using junkyard or used parts (especially brake or suspension parts) is highly discouraged and can cause major damage, it is unlikely that they caused the aluminum wheel to split in half. In most cases, this is caused by hitting a pothole or other obstruction in the road. A glancing blow against a blunt object like a curb can also cause this type of damage. However, if the brakes came apart or a brake component broke, it could in theory cause the same damage. My advice to you is to not drive the vehicle further until you’ve replaced the brakes and wheels with new components for safety.
