If you hear a clicking noise when braking, it is a common problem. But do you know how to solve clicking noise when braking your vehicle.
In this post, we will explore the most common causes of braking system issues, brake pads and other car parts that creates clicking noise and it’s solutions.
Topic Summary
Causes of Clicking Noise When Braking
There could be several reasons why your brakes are making noise:
1. Worn Brake Pads
The most common culprit for clicking noise while braking is worn brake pads. When brake pads grow too thin, the metal wear indicator can rub against the brake rotor, creating a clicking or squealing sound.
2. Loose Brake Components
Another possible culprit is slack in brake parts, such as caliper bolts and anti-rattle clips that are loosened through vibration and movement over time as the vehicle is driven and hits bumps. When you apply the brakes, these parts click and rattle.
3. Warped Brake Rotors
Warped brake rotors can also produce a clicking sound. When a rotor isn’t flat, the pads may not exactly match the rotor’s surface.
The pads may draw in towards the rotor in an uneven, clicking motion ‘pulsating,’ precisely or wobble like a side to side, accelerating clicking.
4. Damaged CV Joints
CV (constant velocity) joints in the axle of your vehicle can cause a ‘clunk’ as well, particularly if you hear the noise more when turning.
A damaged CV joint can click when you brake due to added pressure and movement.
5. Debris Between the Brake Pad and Rotor
A loose stone or other small object can lodge between the brake pad and the rotor, making a clicking noise when you brake.
This leaves the possibility of uneven pressure or even scraping of the braking components.
How To Fix Clicking Noise When Braking?
In order to get rid of clicking, you will need to figure out what is there making the brakes click in the first place. Easy things to check are loose hubcaps, tire height, or trash. Some other tips to solve clicking noise are:
Inspect and Replace Brake Pads
In that case, it is worn brake pads. Replacing those is the solution. Check your brake pads periodically for wear and replace before the material is too thin.
You will silence that squeal and also ensure the safe functioning of your brakes.
Tighten or Replace Loose Components
You can remedy that noise by snugging up any loose items, such as caliper bolts, clips, and other brake parts. Replace any components that are worn.
Resurface or Replace Brake Rotors
Warped rotors are very often resurfaced (machined to restore a flat, even surface). If they are worn or warped too badly, it might be a good idea to replace them to also eliminate the noise while braking.
Repair or Replace CV Joints
If the CV joints are bad, the joint has to be repaired or replaced. It is a more complicated repair. It will cost more than clip, more than $100 for labor, do it yourself.
This means it will solve the clicking noise and also prevent further vehicle damage to the vehicle and drive the train.
Remove debris
Debris from the road may be a cause because the noise goes away once you clean off the gunk between the brake pad and the rotor.
Check your brakes with a regular frequency, especially if you’ve been driving on gravel roads or other places with a lot of debris.
You could avoid that clicking and possibly incur a costly repair bill if you determine the cause of the noise first and remedy the problem.
Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable working on your car, don’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic.
Can You Drive with Clicking Noise While Braking?
If your car is making clicking noises when you’re braking, it’s wise not to keep driving. There could be a deeper problem that compromises your safety.
Very often, the reason for the clicking sound is a loose brake pad, worn-out components, or even a stuck caliper, all of which could result in poorer braking, longer stopping distances, or even a complete brake failure.
Since the previous owner had trouble, not solving the problem could bring further damage to your vehicle and result in more expensive repairs.
Clicking noise while braking? Then, have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. As this might be a sign of some other trouble with your brakes, he can tell you what the problem is and either solve it or advise you of a better course of action.
Having good brakes is crucial. They are one of the safety features in your car. Correctly fixed brakes could prevent a nasty accident on the road and keep you and others safe.
Don’t ever ignore a sound that somehow doesn’t sound quite right in your vehicle. Although it might just be a little problem, it is far better to be safe than to get hurt and endanger others.
How To Prevent Clicking Noise
Here are some preventive tips to avoid clicking noises when braking:
Regular Brake Inspections: Regulate regular brake inspections for signs of non-operational damages.
Check brake pads, rotors, and other connected components during each brake tune-up for any sign of degradation, looseness, or other problems.
Proper Driving Habits: Drive with soft, balanced braking habits so that unnecessary forces are not applied to your braking system. Refrain from frequent hard braking and unexpected stops, as these exert harsh loading on parts and are a cause of noises.
Keep the Brake System Clean: Be sure to keep your vehicle clean, especially if you drive in the dirt on gravel, country, or sand roads, etc.
This is critical because it’s the brake area that you want to keep clean since those clicking noises are most often caused by small pieces of debris and rocks.
These few tips should help keep your brakes working well and avoid annoying squeals and squeaks.
FAQs About Clicking Noise When Braking
Why is There a Clicking Sound When Braking?
Low speed clicking might be a result of worn brake pads, loose brake components, or tiny bits of debris caught between the brake pad and brake rotor. It might be more noticeable at lower speeds because there is less background noise and vibration to mask it.
Is It Safe To Drive If I Hear a Clicking Noise When Braking?
Though the clicking noise is not a safety issue right away, it’s extremely important to diagnose and fix it as soon as possible because it could be related to your brake system and, over time, may impair your safety.
Can a Clicking Noise Cause Damage To My Car?
If the noise is due to contaminated brake pads, loose parts, or debris in the brake system, it will cause damage to the vehicle’s brake system or perhaps other parts. Then, the cost of repair is more expensive, so please come to repair cars as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Clicking Noise?
Depending on the cause, the cost to repair a squeaking noise from your brake pads can vary between $100 to $300. The cost to repair a clicking noise in your brakes can vary between $200 to $400 if it is due to resurfacing your brake rotors. The price is even higher if you need to repair your CV joints or replace them entirely at a cost of approximately $300 to $800. You are better off getting an estimate from an auto mechanic after a thorough inspection.
Can I Fix a Clicking Noise Myself?
If you’re a bit handy with tools, you could probably handle replacing a set of brake pads or two loose wheel lug nuts on your own, but bigger repair problems, such as bad rotors or damaged CV joints, are probably best left to a professional.
Conclusion
Clicking sounds when braking can be caused by numerous reasons, including worn brake pads, loose brackets, and debris in the brake system.
If you hear this sound, it is recommended to take the issue seriously and schedule an appointment with the mechanic.
Taking care of minor issues in a timely manner can help your brakes function properly, preserve your safety, and avoid more serious problems in the future.