If your car’s brakes are making a noise when you turn the steering wheel, it’s likely that they are scraping against the rotors. If you hear this noise and can’t place the source, read on to discover the possible cause. Also, learn about the most common causes of squealing brakes. Worn brake pads and warped rotors are also common culprits.
Disc brakes
When your disc brakes make noise when you turn your car, the first thing you should do is take a look at the pads. Most pads are designed to make noise when they are in use, but some of them have an unavoidable noise that’s hard to ignore. Fortunately, there are some solutions that will make your car quieter. You can install insulator shims on your brake pads, which are self-adhesive and act as little seat cushions to dampen vibrations.
A common cause of disc brake noise is a misaligned caliper or a misaligned rotor. Sometimes, a misaligned caliper body is the culprit. In such a case, it’s worth checking the brake cable or pad contact dial to determine if these are the causes of the noise. Otherwise, the rotors may need to be replaced or oiled.
Squealing brakes
If you’re experiencing a squealing noise from your brakes when you’re turning, you’ve probably noticed that the pads have worn unevenly. The noise could also be caused by rust or corroded shims, or it could be caused by dust or mud on the brake surface. Luckily, the cause of squealing is usually simple enough to fix. In some cases, however, the squealing can occur for months.
If the noise is persistent or comes and goes while you’re turning, you might have a warped rotor. This warped rotor prevents brake pads from contacting the rotor smoothly. Depending on the cause, you might have to replace the rotor or change the pads to solve the issue. Nevertheless, you should consult a mechanic to fix the problem if you’re not sure what to do.
Warped rotors
If you’re concerned that your car’s brakes are making a grinding, pulsating noise when you turn the wheel, you may be dealing with a warped rotor. Warped rotors will make a clicking sound when you turn the wheel, and you will also notice vibrations in the brake pedal and in the vehicle’s chassis. A warped rotor can lead to a number of other problems with your car’s brake system, including a pulsating, grinding, and noise.
A thumping noise can also indicate warped rotors. It’s a warning sign, as it often occurs in conjunction with front-end shimmy. This noise is caused by a buildup of brake pad material on the rotor’s surface. This buildup can be removed with a brake rotor machine. If the noise persists, you’ll need to replace the rotors.
Worn out brake pads
Grinding noise is a symptom of worn brake pads. When a brake pad is worn to the point that metal touches metal, it makes noise when turning. Grinding can cause brake failure while on the road and damage to rotors and calipers. Fortunately, replacing brake pads is an easy process. However, ignoring the noise could result in more serious problems. Here are the signs that you need brake service.
Grinding or growling brakes. This is a sign of a serious problem, as it means metal on metal contact. If this continues, you could end up with a dangerous driving condition. To help prevent this problem, you should replace brake pads every six to eight thousand miles. If your brake pads are starting to make noise when turning, check to see if they are warped or stuck in the wheel cylinder.
