Squeaky braking can be the result of warped or damaged rotors, brake pads, or a combination of these problems. The following article discusses the causes of squeaking rotors and what to do about them. This article focuses on the rotors, which are a vital part of a vehicle’s braking system. If you notice that your car is making noises while braking, warped or damaged, and/or is losing its braking power, you should replace your rotors.
Warped rotors
If your rotors are warped or worn out, you’ll hear noise while braking. Because your brake rotors are attached to the wheels by the same spindle, vibrations from them can travel to the brake calipers, wheels, and steering wheel. That noise is caused by uneven contact between the rotor and brake pads. Noises from warped rotors can range in pitch from a low hum to a rhythmic thumping.
Besides the noise caused by warped rotors, you’ll also feel vibration in the brake pedal. Warped rotors won’t work as smoothly as new ones, and they can limit the stopping power of your vehicle. You should get your INFINITI vehicle serviced quickly to prevent further damage to your brake system. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a qualified INFINITI mechanic right away.
Damaged rotors
When your brake rotors become damaged, they’ll make a scraping noise. This noise may be more noticeable on rough roads or corners. Pebbles from a recently repaired pothole or a rock on the rotor’s backing plate can also damage the rotor. If you notice a scraping noise, it’s time to have your car checked out by a mechanic.
Brake pads will last up to 20,000 miles but can become worn out if they’ve been exposed to rain or snow. Rotors are more vulnerable to rusting due to poor weather. A rusty rotor will cause noise and may even spread to other parts of the brake system. Damaged rotors will also make noise even without pedal pressure. The noise will indicate the need for brake rotor replacement.
Damaged brake pads
A car can experience a squeaky brake when its rotors are bad. Luckily, this problem is relatively easy to fix, and can often be avoided by having the brake pads replaced. Brake noise is usually indicative of a bad rotor, but sometimes it can be an indicator of damaged brake pads. In either case, the best thing to do is to get them checked by a mechanic, who can also change the harmonics in the brake assembly.
Depending on the severity of the squeak, the noise might be just a minor irritation at first, but it will continue to get worse over time. In some cases, the noise is caused by small pieces of gravel or rock stuck in the brake system. These particles rest between the rotor and the caliper, causing a grinding or scraping noise to be heard.
Squeaky rotors
Squeaky rotors are typically the result of worn brake pads. This can happen for several reasons. Some brake pads become worn or glazed over time, which can lead to squeaking. If you have recently replaced your brake pads, your rotors may need to be resurfaced. When resurfacing your rotors, you may hear noise for the first few miles, but this will subside over time.
Squeaky rotors will also make noise when the pads are wet or dusty. The noise may be temporary, but it will go away as you apply the brakes. Dust and small pebbles can also get into the gap between your rotor and brake pads. Eventually, if you don’t pay attention to your rotors, you’ll end up with a noisy car!
Repairing rotors instead of replacing them
In addition to making your car noisy, repairing bad rotors can save you money. The cost of replacing rotors can run into the thousands of dollars, so it’s better to replace them when they get too worn. Moreover, you can also try resurfacing them to restore the finish and minimize noise. Besides, resurfacing can restore the surface finish to a similar level as new rotors.
The lifespan of your car rotors can range from 15,000 to 100,000 miles, but this depends on the driving habits, riding conditions, and upkeep. Aside from rotors, other parts of your brake system will also influence their lifespan, so you should make sure to account for them when replacing them. If you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time to replace your rotors.
